Actress Jada Pinkett Smith was honored at the first ever HBCU Power Awards, which was held at Morehouse College’s Martin Luther King Hr International Chapel in Atlanta. The event was established to individuals individuals who have made significant achievements in their respective fields. Along with Jada Pinkett Smith, others celebrated for their works were Coltrane Curtis (founder, Team Epiphany), Kyle Hagler (president, Next Management), Nzinga Shaw (Chief Diversity Officer, Atlanta Hawks), Keinon Johnson (VP, Urban Promotions, Interscope Records), Phylicia Fant (SVP, Publicity, Warner Bros Records), Beverly Anderson (EVP, Cards & Retail Services, Wells Fargo) and Rob Rumley (Chair, Atlanta Housing Authority). The HBCU Power Awards was produced by Morehouse alums Derek “Fonzworth Bentley” Watkins (c/o ’96), Jash’d Kambui Belcher (c/o ’99) and Roderick Hardamon (c/o ’98). Some of the highlights from the evening were a performance by R&B singer H.E.R, an Omega Psi Phi stroll, comedic moments from co-host Deon Colekeeping and a powerful speech by Jada Pinkett Smith. Notable guests in attendance were actor Michel Jai White, film producer Will Packer, supermodel and co-host Jessica White, radio personality Gary “With the Tea” Hayes, singer Dondria Nicole, ‘Love & Hip Hop Hollywood’ reality star Alexis Skyy and many others. Check out a few photos from the event: HBCU Power Awards producers Jash’d Kambui Belcher, Derek Watkins, Roderick Hardamon Awards co-host Jessica White Jada Pinkett Smith Will Packer & Gary “With The Tea” Hayes Alexis Skyy Photo credit: Marcus Ingram
