By: James B. Ewers Jr. Ed. D.
HBCUs have created hopes and dreams for millions of its graduates. These academic chambers of knowledge are proud beacons of light going through, at times, unchartered waters.
The popularity of HBCUs is at an all-time high. Enrollments continue to trend upwards for them. Publicity about their achievements continues to make national headlines. It has given our institutions the notoriety that they so richly deserve.
Programs and events affirm that HBCUs have a glorious and wonderful history. Their futures in shaping tomorrow’s leaders are strong and resilient. Most of us know someone with an HBCU connection.
We talk about them with pride. All of us have stories about our back-in-the-day college experiences. Whether they were about a teacher or maybe a classmate, we remember them fondly.
On Saturday, August 16, The HBCU Living Legends Scholarship Gala 2025 was held at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem North Carolina.
It was a celebration that honored alumni from North Carolina’s 11 HBCUs. Three alumni were selected from each school.
A companion goal was to provide scholarships to students attending those institutions. They were all academically talented students with lofty ambitions and stellar credentials.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and thanksgiving. Those in attendance came in with a shared purpose of recognizing the importance of the Tar Heel state’s HBCUs. A video greeting by Josh Stein, the 76th Governor of North Carolina underscored the value of HBCUs within the higher education system in the state.
Whenever longstanding and successful programs have occurred, there are always visionaries behind them. Their will and wisdom serve as building blocks.
William Hairston was the driving force behind the HBCU Living Legends initiative. Mr. Hairston is a noted entrepreneur and civic leader in Winston-Salem NC.
He and a group of volunteers wanted to showcase and celebrate the legacy of HBCUs by honoring selected alumni as living legends.
Their organization’s statement further says, “Some Living Legends are nationally known, and others are phenomenal people who are authentic achievers at the local and state levels in industries, professional genres and importantly, community service.”
Mr. Hairston said, “Our committee identifies HBCU alums who have excelled at high levels. All these men and women are truly servant leaders.”
Scholarship dollars are also an important part of this organization’s founding. As a result, high achieving students receive monies that will help them in their educational journey.
The creators and volunteers of the HBCU Living Legends Scholarship Gala 2025 are to be commended and congratulated for understanding the importance of education in the African American community.
The guest speaker for this grand occasion was Garry L. McFadden, the Sheriff of Mecklenburg County (NC). He is the first African American to hold this post. His message was impactful as he talked about his background and the difference an HBCU made in his life. He is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte NC.
The HBCU Living Legends Gala has garnered the attention of education and corporate leaders in many parts of the country. Sponsors have continued to provide support for this event.
Many of the students have received job offers and internships because of them.
Vanessa Hairston, one of the early visionaries and the wife of Mr. William Hairston said, “We have been fortunate to receive sustainable support over the years since the inception of this event. Companies see our HBCU graduates as leaders in their respective fields.”
Congratulations and kudos to all the honorees and scholarship recipients. Their competence, compassion and unwavering commitment to HBCUs are lauded and to be applauded.
Being an HBCU ambassador is a role they have embraced, and they are sharing their excitement with the world.
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. Ed. D. is a longtime educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
