# Anthony Anderson, Stephen A. Smith, Loren Lorosa and More Attend HBCU Week Foundation’s 6th Annual Awards Gala

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/anthony-anderson-stephen-a-smith-loren-lorosa-and-more-attend-hbcu-week-foundations-6th-annual-awards-gala/
- Published: 2025-06-21T22:03:26-04:00
- Author: EAN

 

On Friday, June 20, the HBCU Week Foundation hosted a vibrant and celebratory evening
to unveil its inaugural cohort of ambassadors for its newly launched Arts and Entertainment
Scholarship Program. The milestone event recognized cultural trailblazers and marked
several major announcements that underscore the Foundation’s growing impact in the
higher education and entertainment sectors.

Held at an exclusive gala event, the Foundation honored three luminaries for their
commitment to excellence and advocacy:

Anthony Anderson, acclaimed actor and producer, received the Trailblazer Award

Loren Lorosa, dynamic media personality, was presented with the Rising Star Award

Ebonie Ward, renowned talent manager and founder of 11th & Co, was honored with 
the Leadership Award

In a powerful moment during the program, the HBCU Week Foundation officially inducted
Anderson, Lorosa, and Ward as the first members of its new Arts and Entertainment
Brand Ambassador Program. Joining them was Heather Lowrey, a 2021 HBCU Week Foundation
honoree, completing a formidable inaugural class of ambassadors who will help amplify
the Foundation’s mission to increase college enrollment at Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCUs).

“Our new ambassadors are cultural powerhouses who embody the vision, values, and
voice of HBCU excellence,” said Ashley Christopher, CEO and Founder of the HBCU 
Week Foundation. “With their platforms and passion, we will expand access to opportunities
in arts and entertainment for future HBCU students across the country.”

Adding to the excitement, the evening also featured the official announcement of
a new partnership between the HBCU Week Foundation and the United States Tennis 
Association (USTA). The Althea Gibson Scholarship, named in honor of the tennis 
legend and HBCU alumna, will support aspiring HBCU students pursuing excellence 
in both athletics and academics.

The Gala served not only as a night of recognition and celebration, but also as 
a clear statement of the Foundation’s expanding reach and ambitious future.

For more information about HBCU Week Foundation programs, scholarships, or upcoming
events, visit [www.hbcuweek.org.](https://www.hbcuweek.org/)