Will Packer, Fantasia Barrino, MC Lyte Set for HBCU Honors

Producer Will Packer, singer-actor Fantasia Barrino and gospel superstar Hezekiah Walker are among the notables who will be celebrated at the 2nd annual HBCU Honors, which recognize prominent alumni of HBCU institutions.

The ceremony will be held Nov. 14 at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium in Washington, D.C. and air Dec. 1 as a special on BET. Actress and comedian Kym Whitley, a graduate of Fisk University in Nashville, will host.

“Hosting HBCU Honors is truly a privilege,” Whitley said. “I owe so much to my time at Fisk University. HBCUs gave me the tools to succeed, and it’s an honor to stand on that stage and celebrate the incredible people who are making history today. This event is all about Black excellence, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Packer is a Florida A&M University alum who has become a prolific producer of movies and TV shows through his Will Packer Productions. His most recent effort is the Peacock limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” starring Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson and Taraji P. Henson.

“HBCUs have been the cornerstone of Black success for generations. My time at Florida A&M University shaped who I am as a filmmaker and as a person,” Packer said. “Receiving this honor from a platform that celebrates that legacy is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m proud to be part of this event that champions Black stories and excellence.”

The HBCU Honors presented by Procter & Gamble is designed to celebrate Black leaders across a range of industries. Other notables who will be feted at the event include former NASA engineer Dr. Lonnie Johnson and tech entrepreneur Jewel Burks Solomon.

“Our brands are proud to support initiatives that amplify the impact and importance of HBCUs,” said Eric Austin, VP of marketing and media innovation for Procter & Gamble. “Our partnership with HBCU Honors is a testament to our ongoing commitment to recognize the success and legacy within the Black community. Together, we celebrate the achievements of those who inspire and lead the way for future generations.”

Barrino, the “American Idol” winner who went on star in 2023’s “The Color Purple,” was one of Variety’s 2023 Power of Women honorees.

(Pictured: Will Packer)