HBCU Week Foundation Strikes a Chord with Music Industry Powerhouses and Cultural Trailblazers at the 7th Annual Awards Gala

June 9, 2026

Co-Hosted by HBCU Week Foundation Founder Ashley Christopher Anthony and Emmy Award-Winning Actor and Golden Globe Nominee Anthony Anderson, the Signature Celebration Will Honor Visionary Leaders Shaping the Future of Music, Business, Culture, and Higher Education

HBCU Week Foundation 7th Annual Awards Gala

WILMINGTON, Del. — HBCU Week Foundation today announced the distinguished honorees for its 7th Annual HBCU Week Awards Gala, taking place on Friday, July 12, at the historic Hotel DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware. The highly anticipated evening will be co-hosted by HBCU Week Foundation Founder Ashley Christopher Anthony and Emmy Award-winning actor and Golden Globe nominee Anthony Anderson, bringing together leaders across entertainment, business, sports, philanthropy, and education to celebrate excellence and the enduring impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
This year’s honorees represent some of the most influential voices shaping culture today. Receiving the Trailblazer Award is Adam Blackstone, the Grammy Award-winning producer, Emmy Award-winning Music Director, and Tony Award-nominated orchestrator whose musical genius has powered some of the world’s biggest stages. From serving as Music Director for icons including Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Queen Latifah, and Maroon 5 to leading productions for the Oscars, Grammy Awards, Super Bowl Halftime Shows, The Voice, The Masked Singer, and That’s My Jam, Blackstone has become one of the most sought-after musical architects in entertainment. His acclaimed album LEGACY earned multiple Grammy and NAACP Image Award nominations, while his work on Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen earned both a Tony nomination and a Grammy Award.
The Leadership Award will be presented to Phylicia Fant, Global Director of Black Music and Culture at Amazon Music and one of the industry’s most respected cultural strategists. A recognized force behind some of music’s most impactful campaigns and partnerships, Fant has led groundbreaking initiatives connecting artists, brands, and audiences worldwide. Her influence has been recognized by Billboard, Variety, Forbes, and ESSENCE, while her leadership continues to elevate Black music and culture through global collaborations with artists including Beyoncé, Usher, Lil Wayne, Tems, Janelle Monáe, Anderson .Paak, and Jon Batiste. A Spelman College alumna and entertainment executive, Fant remains a powerful advocate for representation, innovation, and cultural impact across the music industry.

Receiving the Living Legacy Award is Robert “Don Pooh” Cummins, the visionary entrepreneur, music executive, restaurateur, and real estate developer whose influence spans multiple industries. A longtime architect of hip-hop culture, Cummins worked alongside legends including Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G., discovered and managed Foxy Brown, and co-executive produced projects that helped shape the golden era of rap music. As Executive Vice President of MCA Records, he oversaw Mary J. Blige’s Grammy Award-winning No More Drama. Today, he is the driving force behind the nationally recognized Brooklyn Chop House brand and the rapidly expanding Brooklyn Dumpling Shop franchise, building an entrepreneurial empire rooted in innovation, community investment, and cultural excellence.

 

The Foundation will also recognize Robert O. Wright III with the Rising Star Award, honoring his achievements as an NCAA Division I student-athlete and emerging leader whose dedication to academic excellence, athletics, and service embodies the future of HBCU excellence.

“The HBCU Week Awards Gala is more than a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent, purpose, and opportunity come together,” said Ashley Christopher Anthony, Founder of HBCU Week Foundation. “This year’s honorees have not only achieved extraordinary success in their respective fields, but they have also opened doors, created opportunities, and inspired the next generation of leaders. Their stories reflect the transformative power of excellence and the enduring legacy of the HBCU community.”

 

Now in its seventh year, the HBCU Week Awards Gala has become one of the premier celebrations of Black achievement, convening influential leaders from entertainment, business, education, sports, and philanthropy. The evening will feature a red carpet reception, special tributes, live entertainment, and inspiring moments honoring individuals whose work continues to leave an indelible mark on culture and society.

For more information about the HBCU Week Foundation and the 7th Annual HBCU Week Awards Gala, visit www.hbcuweek.org or follow @HBCUWeekNow on social media.

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