2026 HBCU IMPACT FEST presented by HBCU AWAREFEST Saturday, March 21st . 10 AM - 5 PM AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library & Promenade Join students, families, educators, and community leaders for the 2026 HBCU Impact Fest, a free, all-day festival at the Robert W. Woodruff Library & Promenade designed to help the next generation navigate college, careers, and financial futures. As part of HBCU AWAREFEST Week, a multi-day series leading up to the HBCU AWAREFEST fundraising concert, the Impact Fest offers real conversations, practical resources, and direct access to organizations and leaders working to expand opportunity for HBCU students. HBCU AWAREFEST is produced by the Student Freedom Initiative (https://studentfreedominitiative.org/), founded and chaired by billionaire philanthropist Robert F. Smith (https://robertsmith.com/). WHAT TO EXPECT
- Panels on college access, affordability, and financial literacy
- Resources for students, parents, and families navigating higher education
- Outdoor HBCU Resource, Career and Small Business Fair
- Food Trucks Serving Free Food & Interactive Sponsor Activations
- Wellness Activations, Live DJs and Giveaways
All activities are free and open to the public with registration. To attend, please visit:
http://awarefest.org Follow @awarefestival on Instagram for updates and announcements.
Deon Cole & Guests. Hosted by Chris Spencer presented by HBCU AWAREFEST Tuesday, March 24 at 8pm Tabernacle HBCU AWAREFEST comedy show Ticket Link:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E00645... Follow @awarefestival on Instagram for updates.
The State of HBCUs Executive Summit presented by HBCU AWAREFEST Wednesday, March 25, 2026 . 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Ebenezer Baptist Church Join HBCU AWAREFEST and the Student Freedom Initiative for a free, high-level public convening bringing together HBCU presidents, policymakers, philanthropic leaders, business executives, media, community stakeholders and the general public for an urgent and solutions-driven conversation about the future of Black higher education. Held at Ebenezer Church during HBCU AWAREFEST Week, this summit centers the financial, policy, and structural challenges facing HBCUs today - and explores what it will take to move from institutional survival to long-term stability and growth. Featured Conversation: From Student Debt to Institutional Survival: Reimagining the Future of Black Higher Education Moderated by Roland Martin, news Commentator and Host of Roland Martin Unfiltered, this solutions-oriented discussion examines the growing burden of student loan debt on Black families, the fragile financial footing of many HBCUs, and how redesigned education financing, policy alignment, and coordinated investment can strengthen institutions and expand opportunity for future generations. To register to attend, please visit:
http://awarefest.org Follow @awarefestival on Instagram for updates and announcements.
All In for HBCUs: A Casino Royale Fundraiser presented by HBCU AWAREFEST Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Rosci Diaz Live Auction hosted by Magic Johnson Special Live Performance by Wyclef Jean Wednesday, March 25 . 6 PM - 10:00 PM Hotel Phoenix Set inside Atlanta's stunning new Hotel Phoenix, All In for HBCUs is HBCU AWAREFEST's signature Casino Royale fundraiser, bringing together leaders, creatives, philanthropists, and supporters for a glamorous night in support of Black higher education. Guests will enjoy elevated casino gaming, gourmet food and premium cocktails, live and silent auctions, celebrity moments, and world-class entertainment in a beautifully designed, Las Vegas inspired setting. Attendance requires a charitable donation to the Student Freedom Initiative, supporting expanded access, affordability, and long-term opportunity for HBCU students.
- $750 individual donation
- $1,250 couples donation
Casino Royale Glamour attire encouraged. Capacity is limited. To register to attend, please visit:
http://awarefest.org Follow @awarefestival on Instagram for updates and announcements.
Fireside Chat on Philanthropy with Robert F. Smith presented by HBCU AWAREFEST Moderated by CNBC Reporter, Frank Holland Thursday, March 26 . 3 PM - 5:45 PM State Farm Arena - Suite Level Banquet Room A rare opportunity for intimate access to billionaire investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith alongside a panel of celebrity philanthropists whose impact is shaping the future of Black education and wealth. Moderated by CNBC Reporter, Frank Holland, this exclusive fireside conversation offers attendees an inside look at the thinking, values, and strategies behind transformative giving, including Robert F. Smith's groundbreaking work with the Student Freedom Initiative to eliminate HBCU student debt and expand economic opportunity. A $1,000 donation is required to attend, supporting SFI's mission to address the HBCU student loan crisis and the Black wealth gap. All attendees receive a 100 Level ticket to the HBCU HBCU AWAREFEST concert that evening. Limited capacity. To register to attend, please visit:
http://awarefest.org Follow @awarefestival on Instagram for updates.
V-VIP Suite Experience with Robert F. Smith presented by HBCU AWAREFEST Thursday, March 26 . 6 PM - 10 PM State Farm Arena An elite private suite experience offering premium concert viewing, luxury food and beverage service, and rare access to Robert F. Smith alongside celebrity philanthropists, C-suite executives, and cultural leaders. Hosted inside Robert F. Smithâ??s private viewing suite, this V-VIP experience is designed for those who value discretion, influence, and proximity to power. A $25,000 donation is required and includes admission to the Fireside Chat on Philanthropy with Robert F. Smith earlier that day. Donations support the Student Freedom Initiativeâ??s mission to address the HBCU student loan crisis and the Black wealth gap. Extremely limited availability. To register your interest in attending, please visit:
http://awarefest.org Follow @awarefestival on Instagram for updates and announcements. For tickets and more information on the overall mission, visit
https://awarefest.org and join the movement.
