Hi, I’m Emmy & NAACP Image Award-winning television producer Rushion McDonald. I’ve
always felt that our community mattered, and should be acknowledged for our positive
contributions. That is why I created the Hoodie Awards/Neighborhood Awards. “Black
Excellence” is me and every other African American working towards the advancement of our
people. The HBCU Awards will recognize our “Black Excellence” in Education, Entertainment,
and Business. It is an award show for the people, it will promote the stars of our community
and showcase our culture.
These are the twelve HBCU Awards categories: Best Church, Best High School, Best Beauty
Salon, Best Barbershop, Best Businessperson of the Year, Best HBCU Performing Arts Program,
Best HBCU Business Program, Best HBCU STEM Program, Best HBCU Nursing/Medical Program,
Best HBCU Marching Band, Best Female Entertainer of the Year, and Best Male Entertainer of
the Year. You can start nominating today! This is your Award show. Nominations are by HBCU
students, HBCU Alumni, and anybody who wants to recognize “Black Excellence!”
Our HBCU History
After the Civil War, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were created to meet the educational needs of Black students who previously had negligible opportunities to attend college.
These schools had humble beginnings, with the first HBCUs conducting classes in homes, church basements, and old schoolhouses. The Morrill Act of 1890, which required states to provide land-grants for colleges to serve Black students, allowed HBCU's to build their own campuses.
These colleges and universities have long been an outstanding source of academic accomplishment and great pride for the African American communities throughout the entire nation. They offer doctoral programs, master's programs, bachelor's degree programs, and associate degrees. HBCU doors opened during the period of segregation in the United States before the Civil Rights Act because predominantly white education institutions completely disqualified or limited African American enrollment. They have played a critical role in ensuring that African Americans students and students of all races receive a quality education.
Today, there are over 100 HBCUs across the country. They enroll 20 percent of African American students, and despite constituting only 3 percent of four-year colleges in the country, HBCUs have produced 80 percent of the black judges, 50 percent of the black lawyers, 50 percent of the black doctors, 40 percent of the black engineers, 40 percent of the black members of Congress, 25 percent of all black STEM graduates, and 13 percent of the black CEOs in America, today.
BLACK EXCELLENCE
EDUCATION
BUSINESS
ENTERTAINMENT
Best HBCU Marching Band
Please nominate the Best HBCU Marching Band. In this category we highlight one of the most
beloved halftime traditions of any HBCU experience, the HBCU Marching Band. We’ve all heard
the term “One Band One Sound.” This is for the drum majors, the horn sections, drumline and
dance teams, and all the high energy they create for us to have a great halftime experience!
Best Church
Please nominate the Best Church. Church roots run deep, not only in the community but also in an HBCU environment. They have been vital to the development of HBCUs and building Black communities across the country. For us, the BEST CHURCH category recognizes the presence of churches (both on and off campus) as an anchor for the community and a driving source for social uplift while serving as a resource beyond the sanctuary for individual, systemic, and political change within our Black neighborhoods.
Best HBCU STEM Program
Please nominate the Best HBCU STEM Program. 23% of bachelor’s degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are HBCU graduates. Initially, HBCUs focused on trades and teacher training, but now they are innovative, creating new technology, and revolutionizing the way the world identifies where new industry leaders are born. These academic achievements impact the world and our communities every day. We want to highlight the HBCU programs that are dedicated to STEM.
Best Beauty Salon
Please nominate the BEST Beauty Salon. Every HBCU presses the importance of a first impression. For the Best Beauty Salon category, we highlight the salons that make our women look good for that internship, job interview, or even that infamous party that was happening on campus. These salon’s do more than just straighten and style hair; they listen, they build self-esteem and allow women to embrace all the beauty they possess to go out and Slay! They are the "Voices of our Community," and deserved to be highlighted for all the “Black Excellence” amongst us.
Best HBCU Performing Arts Program
Please Nominate the Best HBCU Performing Arts Program. When talking about Performing Arts, you can’t help to think of Taraji P. Henson, Chadwick Boseman, Samuel L. Jackson, Erykah Badu, Lance Gross, and Spike Lee. The Best HBCU Performing Arts program consistently develops highly skilled and knowledgeable graduates who compete for various professional positions and excel in entrepreneurial endeavors within the arts and related fields.
Best Barbershop
Please nominate the Best Barbershop. For the Best Barbershop category, we wanted to highlight the barbers that make our men look good! These barbershops do more than just talk smack and cut hair. They create a safe space for real conversations where African American men, regardless of age, class, education, or occupation, can be heard. We want to highlight them because barbershops become a Black Man's sanctuary filled with peace and understanding for all generations. And for that, we have to show some LOVE!
Best HBCU Business Program
Please nominate the Best HBCU Business Program. HBCUs graduate 13 percent of the Black CEOs in America, more African American CPAs than any other institutions, and more associates on Wall Street. HBCUs prepare students to succeed. Therefore, the best HBCU Business Programs creates global business leaders proficiently trained in accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management, and business administration.
Best High School
Please nominate the Best High School. We want to create HBCU awareness to all our high school students and that starts by exposing them to the many opportunities and programs our HBCUs offer as much as possible. In this category we want you to nominate the high schools that are making a difference in young people’s lives. We all know that your high school experience builds a starting foundation, but your college experience enhances that foundation and guides them further to their calling purpose.
Best HBCU Nursing/Medical Program
Please nominate the Best HBCU Nursing/Medical Program. HBCU medical schools are responsible for the production of over 50% of African American doctors and dentists practicing in the United States. Many HBCUs offer nursing programs both in-person and online. The HBCU nominee for the Best Medical/Nursing program is ahead of the pack and utilizes cutting-edge technology and research to the benefit of students, faculty and community.
Best Businessperson of the Year
Please nominate the Best Businessperson of the Year. This category defines our definition of success. . This person does not have to be an HBCU Alumni. Whether it be a celebrated individual or philanthropist, nominees in this category demonstrate esteemed achievement and leadership in the growth of a company or is a savvy entrepreneur. They have an outstanding reputation in management, innovation, and execute problem-solving strategies. This nominee constantly creates opportunities for the African American community and exudes “Black Excellence.”
Best Male Entertainer of the Year
Please nominate the Best Male Entertainer of the Year. This person does not have to be an HBCU Alumni. In this category we are acknowledging a male recipient. Nominees in this category should exemplify significant competence in all aspects of their career. Whether their career is in sports, film, television, art, literature, stage, or live performances, this person is a true force to be recon with in their field. The entertainer's brand rises above others in leadership, creativity, and philanthropy and shines “Black Excellence” for the African American community.
Best Female Entertainer of the Year
Please nominate the Best Female Entertainer of the Year. This person does not have to be an HBCU Alumni. In this category we are acknowledging a female recipient. Nominees in this category should exemplify significant competence in all aspects of their career. Whether their career is in sports, film, television, art, literature, stage, or live performances, this person is a true force to be recon with in their field. The entertainer's brand rises above others in leadership, creativity, and philanthropy and shines “Black Excellence” for the African American community.
