The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) honored impactful leaders in education at its recent DC CEO Impact NOW event at the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Dr. Shuana Tucker-Sims (The Links, Incorporated), Dr. Mark Frohman and the members of the Divine Nine were honored for their extraordinary impact on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their students. Tucker-Sims received the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Trailblazer Award, Frohman received the Payne Center Medal for Public Leadership and members of the Divine Nine received the Educational Leadership Award.
“Tonight we’re here to say thank you. Thank you for all you do for our HBCUs,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. “The work that we do is more important today than ever. We need you more now than ever.”
Event guests heard from student speakers, Temitope Ajibola and Starre’ Nkpagayee, about how TMCF helped them on their academic journey.
Actor and producer Larenz Tate was the master of ceremonies, setting the tone for the evening with upbeat energy and charisma.
Nicky Sparrow, executive vice president of multicultural sales at iHeartMedia, celebrated the organization’s partnership with TMCF and presented a donation of $32,000. She described investing in HBCUs as a cause close to her heart.
Frohman drew an ovation when he announced a $100,000 donation to the organization during his remarks after accepting his award.
“I make this commitment because the best investments are not necessarily those that produce a quick, fleeting return,” Frohman said. “They are the ones whose impact ripples forward for generations.”
Guests also heard special remarks from the honorable G.K. Butterfield, retired Congressman from North Carolina. He emphasized the importance of HBCUs and outlined his deep connection with the institutions.
At the conclusion of the formal program, guests enjoyed music from singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius, followed by DJ Jazzy Jeff.
