Today, our HBCU students are being crushed under 1.7 trillion dollars in student debt. These institutions are resilient, impactful, and vital to our community, yet they remain drastically underfunded. This burden threatens not only individual futures, but the progress of generations.

That is why Student Freedom Initiative, Live Nation Urban, and the city of Atlanta are partnering for HBCU Aware Fest. A bold initiative designed to find real, tangible solutions for student debt relief. This is not just a benefit concert, but a cultural movement – a nationwide call to action. Bringing together Black entertainers, HBCU leaders, students, and changemakers to celebrate HBCU excellence and to take meaningful steps toward debt relief.

On March 26, 2026, at State Farm Arena, we will gather for what will be the largest HBCU fundraiser in history! And the excitement doesn’t stop there – this week will be filled with events, celebrations, and activations leading up to the big night.

Every single dollar raised will go directly to Student Freedom Initiative, supporting efforts to address the student loan crisis impacting HBCU students across the nation.

Together, we can honor the past, empower the present, and transform the future of our HBCUs.

Together, we can achieve remarkable results. We are enough to solve this problem. By sacrificing as little as $10 for pizza once a month for five years, we can collectively raise $120 million a year to address this wealth gap that disproportionately impacts our HBCU students.

Event Details: 

• Student Freedom Initiative and Live Nation Urban came together to create HBCU AWAREFEST
• Coming to State Farm Arena on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
• This is the largest HBCU fundraiser in history!!!
• All proceeds will go to addressing the student loan debt crisis affecting HBCU students across the country.
• For tickets and more information on the overall mission, head to AWAREFEST.ORG and join the movement!

HBCU AwareFest Video link: https://vimeo.com/1136730591/65406e5969