*BET is bringing one of the most culturally significant concerts of the year to living rooms across the country. The network will air the “HBCU AWAREFEST Benefit Concert Special” on Sunday, April 5 at 9 PM ET/8 PM CT, spotlighting a star-powered evening dedicated to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
According to the news release, the special captures the inaugural HBCU AWAREFEST concert, filmed at State Farm Arena in Atlanta and presented by Student Freedom Initiative and Live Nation Urban. The event was designed to raise awareness and funding around the $1.8 trillion student loan debt burden that disproportionately impacts HBCU students. The genre-spanning performance lineup includes Jill Scott, Tems, Common, Jeezy, Yolanda Adams, Coco Jones, Kirk Franklin, BigXthaPlug, and more.
Beyond the performances, the broadcast will feature appearances and remarks from an impressive roster of cultural and civic voices, including Robert F. Smith, Tyler Perry, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Angel Reese, Daymond John, Will Packer, Anthony Anderson, Angela Yee, Kandi Burruss, Rocsi Diaz, Ryan Clark, Deon Cole, Mayor Andre Dickens, and others.
The concert serves as the capstone of HBCU AWAREFEST, a week-long Atlanta-based series of events centered on advancing Black higher education through culture, innovation, and collective action. The initiative has already made history, with the Georgia Senate passing a resolution declaring March 26, 2026, as HBCU AWAREFEST Day in recognition of its mission to tackle the student loan debt crisis and expand economic opportunity for HBCU students.
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For BET, the broadcast reflects the network’s continued commitment to amplifying Black excellence and elevating stories that move the culture forward. For more information, visit awarefest.org or studentfreedominitiative.org.
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