Fifty Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) students participating in the Citi HBCU Career Incubator Program attended Hamilton on Broadway and were invited to meet the cast backstage by actor Jared Dixon, who portrays Aaron Burr in the performance.
The participants were attending Hamilton as part of a planned outing during downtime of the Citi program, but they never imagined what would happen once they arrived.
“As the theater began to fill, Jared Dixon—widely known for his powerful portrayal of Aaron Burr—watched from backstage and immediately took notice of our students,” Alicia S. Head, assistant vice president of learning and talent, said. “Moved by their presence and the energy they brought into the space, he expressed a genuine interest in connecting with them.”
Just before the curtain rose and the play began, Head said the stage manager approached Nia Curry, talent manager and program lead, with a special request: the cast, inspired by the students’ engagement and representation, wished to hold a private meet-and-greet following the performance.
Dixon described the scene best on the Instagram caption he wrote under a group photo the cast took with the students.
“Last night, I looked up to the balcony and saw a whole section of black excellence staring back at me,” Dixon wrote. “Thank you (Thurgood Marshall College Fund) for hosting these beautiful black and brown leaders and for allowing them to come down and say hello to a couple of their biggest fans.”
Grace Franklin, a rising sophomore at Delaware State University, said she’s loved Hamilton since she was 14, so seeing it live was a full-circle moment for her.
“Meeting the cast was amazing,” Franklin said. “They provided so much insight on the musical theater industry and how everyone’s paths in that space are different. It inspired me a lot to see people in the careers I want to go into.”
Dorian Jackson, a rising junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, also enjoyed the experience of meeting the cast.
“When we were brought down to the stage, some of us asked the cast what made them want to meet us,” Jackson said. “They said that when they saw all of us dressed up in our suits during the performance, they felt they had to take the opportunity to meet these young examples of Black excellence. That was my favorite part—because it showed that when we show up as our best selves, we are recognized for it.”
Through conversation backstage, students and cast members bonded through attending an HBCU or having an HBCU connection.
“What made the moment especially powerful was the realization that, beyond the stage and spotlight, the artists shared cultural values, lived experiences and personal journeys that closely mirrored those of our students,” Head said. “This deep connection—rooted in resilience, pride and a shared understanding of the HBCU experience—served as a bridge between performance and purpose. The exchange illuminated the rich legacy of HBCUs as incubators of creativity, excellence and cultural identity.”
Head said the students’ response to the backstage invitation was priceless.
“It wasn’t just excitement—it was a moment of validation,” Head said. “In their eyes, I saw a profound appreciation for being seen, respected and valued. This gesture affirmed their sense of belonging in spaces of excellence and artistry and underscored the impact of TMCF’s commitment to creating transformative, culturally enriching experiences that expand horizons and reinforce self-worth.”
While the Hamilton experience was unforgettable, the students also enjoyed their time at the Citi HBCU Career Incubator Program and in New York.
“Not only did I get the opportunity to learn more about the operations, environment and culture of Citibank at their headquarters, but I also had the chance to hear from industry professionals who looked like me,” Jackson said. “They shared their journeys and how they were able to excel in their professional spaces, which was both inspiring and empowering.”
Jackson said meeting Mark Mason, the CFO of Citibank, was a highlight.
“Seeing and hearing from someone who is an executive leader in the industry I’m interested in—and who looks like me—was incredibly inspiring and motivating,” Jackson said.
Franklin also found the program worthwhile.
“I learned a lot of valuable information that will improve my college and general life skills,” Franklin said. “The immersion gave me a great opportunity to network and connect with students from other universities in a more intimate setting.”
Franklin and Jackson were both grateful to TMCF and the program managers for the overall program and the Hamilton outing.
“TMCF has been a huge stepping stone in my development and stepping out of my comfort zone,” Franklin said.
Jackson added that the program managers encouraged everyone to try new things and step outside their comfort zones.
“I’m truly grateful for that,” Jackson said.
