Hosted by Emmy-nominated actress and comedian Kym Whitley PHOTOS COURTESY OF HBCU

Washington, D.C. — December 18, 2025 — The 3rd Annual HBCU Honors Presented by BET continued its rise as one of the network’s most culturally resonant specials, delivering strong year-over-year growth among young adult viewers and generating significant digital, social, and earned media visibility.

Returning Thanksgiving weekend and hosted by Emmy-nominated actress and Fisk alumna Kym Whitley, the one-hour telecast reached nearly 800K viewers across BET and BET Her during premiere week. HBCU Honors delivered double and triple-digit percentage increases among young viewers year over year, including M18–34, W18–24 and P18–34.* This year’s campaign produced an estimated 8.4 million digital impressions and nearly 24 million verified coverage views across a 5.8 billion earned-media footprint**, underscoring the show’s expanding cultural relevance and advertiser appeal.

Across digital platforms, HBCU Honors achieved its strongest performance to date. High-impact cultural moments—particularly tributes to honorees—fueled reach and engagement, generating 3.9 million confirmed views and more than 237,000 interactions. Extensive creator, partner, and media-driven storytelling amplified visibility across the weekend, reaffirming the show’s ability to spark national conversation and sustain momentum well beyond the broadcast.

An expanded long-form edition of the 2025 HBCU Honors—featuring full performances and speeches—is available now on the HBCU Honors YouTube Channel. Additional content, interviews, and Rising Star features will also be available at HBCUHonors.org as part of the extended digital rollout. Viewers can also catch the show on BET.com, with additional encores on BET; check listings for air date and time. Please click the link below to download the entire release, which contains show highlights and key information about performances, presenters and partners. For more information, visit www.hbcuhonors.org or follow @HBCU_Honors on social media.

*Source: Nielsen (Big Data + Panel), Live+3, 1-minute qualifier | All HBCU Honors 2025 airings across BET & BETHer (11/30/25–12/2/25) vs. YAGO HBCU Honors 2024 airings. All other ratings stats: Panel-only, Live+SD Further qualifications available upon request.

Hosted by Emmy-nominated actress and comedian Kym Whitley, the 2025 telecast delivered a standout slate of performances and tributes honoring Shirley Caesar, David Banner, and Janice Bryant Howroyd, with musical contributions from Raheem DeVaughn, Jekalyn Carr, MAJOR., Y’Anna Crawley, Myles Frost, Howard University’s Ooh La La Danceline, the Morgan State University Choir, Gabby Samone, DJ QuickSilva, J. Ivy, and Tarrey Torae. Special appearances from Angela Bassett and Roy Wood Jr. added to the night’s cultural resonance and star power.

An impressive roster of presenters further elevated the evening’s themes of leadership, innovation, and cultural legacy. Presenters included Omar Goff, President (Mielle Organics), Grace Ogunmodede (TMCF), Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Executive Vice President of Research and Member Engagement (UNCF), Rashad Burgess, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Ashley Hamilton, Former Intern/Gilead professional (Gilead), Melonie Parker, Vice President of Googler Engagement (Google), Shaun Robinson, Award-Winning Journalist and Television Host, Dr. Cameka Smith, Founder and CEO, The BOSS Network, Lance Gross, Actor and Producer, Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Chairwoman of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and Tip

“T.I.” Harris, Grammy Award–Winning Artist, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist.

Additional photos on 4B