iHeartMedia's HBCU Homecoming Was Inspiring and Uplifting

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 13, 2020

iHeartMedia celebrated the "HBCU Homecoming Celebration on iHeartRadio" on Thursday, November 12, with a number of events designed to shine a light on student excellence through an uplifting, high-energy celebration across multiple iHeartRadio platforms, showcasing HBCU pride, Black excellence and achievement. The event streamed on iHeartRadio's YouTube, and partially broadcasted across iHeartMedia's Hip Hop and R&B radio stations on November 12.

The special events included an inspiring artist panel, iHeartRadio Beautiful Possibilities presented by Ulta Beauty, that featured a discussion and performance from singer and songwriter H.E.R. The panel hosted by iHeartRadio's Angela Yee, co-host of the The Breakfast Club, covered female empowerment, entrepreneurship and beauty. Special guest panelists including actress and producer, La La Anthony as well as CEO and Founder of Kreyol Essence, Yve-Car Momperousse explored female entrepreneurship and the art of brand building as the modern-day self-CEO. During the discussion, panel participants shared their personal stories of success to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of Black women leaders.

The program also featured a tailgate party, iHeartRadio HBCU Homecoming Party on the Yard, presented by McDonald's, through its Black & Positively Golden Movement, which featured a virtual Homecoming performance from global superstar Khalid. The virtual event, hosted by iHeartRadio's DJ Envy, co-host of the hit morning show, The Breakfast Club and Hampton University Alumni, included special celebrity guest appearances from Lil Baby Saweetie and Big Sean as well as McDonald's owner/operator interviews, legendary HBCU Homecoming highlights and several special surprise moments.

iHeartRadio Presents The Pepsi HBCU Marching Band Experience, voiced by Award Winning entertainer, philanthropist, entrepreneur and current HBCU student, Megan Thee Stallion and Charlamagne tha God, brought together legendary marching bands - some even rivals - from four of the top HBCUs in the nation including Florida A&M, Hampton University, Prairie View A&M and North Carolina A & T for a first-of-its-kind, tour-de-force musical experience. In partnership with each band director and iHeartMedia, Pepsi created a special collaborative experience featuring a cross-generational musical arrangement of the Curtis Mayfield classic "Move on Up" and Megan Thee Stallion's chart-topping hit "Savage."

In addition, the month-long celebration included HBCU-inspired iHeartRadio Playlists and a 24-hour iHeartRadio HBCU station with anthems to celebrate homecoming and other special surprise moments that captured and paid homage to HBCUs and the spirit of the season.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of HBCUs and their students and alumni will not be able to attend in-person homecoming celebrations to honor their institutions' rich histories, cultural impact and notable alumni. To help fill that void, the "HBCU Homecoming Celebration on iHeartRadio" launched on October 19 featuring podcast episodes and vignettes highlighting former HBCU students and alumni throughout the month. Participating talent included singer and songwriter Bobby Valentino; singer and songwriter Brian McKnight; recording artist, songwriter, actor and activist Killer Mike; actress and personality La La Anthony; actor Lance Gross; singer, songwriter and actor Lionel Richie; producer, songwriter and DJ Metro Boomin; comedian, actor, and television and on-air personality Steve Harvey; actor and entertainment reporter Terrence J; singer and songwriter Toni Braxton; recording artist Wale; film producer Will Packer; and iHeartRadio on-air personalities Bev Johnson, Bushman, media mogul and cultural architect Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, Kendra G, Kyle Santillian, Mike Evans, Monica Barnes, Queen B and Zach Boog, most of whom are also HBCU alumni.