A Fayetteville State University student received a substantial surprise during the HBCU Honors event that aired on BET Sunday, Dec. 1. HBCU Honors is a one-of-a-kind televised event and groundbreaking awards celebration of Black excellence. The event casts a much-needed spotlight on the remarkable achievements of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their alumni.
Alyssa Rose Henson is a sophomore biology major at Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) member school Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. She attended HBCU Honors under the impression she was a guest of TMCF. Henson was a TMCF guest, but she was also a surprise scholarship recipient.
TMCF President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams opened the presentation with a video introduction. TMCF Board of Directors Chair Racquel Oden was on stage to help tell the story of the organization and its impact.
“You understand the importance of what we do, which is to make sure we continue to support our HBCU students financially and ensure that they’re able to graduate,” Oden said. “Not only to graduate, but more importantly, to get them into incredible jobs so they can continue to be incredible citizens to this society.”
Oden also called Henson to the stage to make the scholarship presentation.
“I always say the best way to understand what HBCUs are about is to see the students themselves,” Oden said. “We’d like to specifically honor you with a check for $20,000.”
Henson said she didn’t know about the scholarship until she saw the check.
“I didn’t expect the scholarship at all, so for a while I was in shock at what happened,” Henson said. “At one point I burst into tears because I was so grateful for how much stress the scholarship would take off my family. I felt on top of the world all night long.”
The event was filmed in front of a live audience on Nov. 14 at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium. Actress, comedian and HBCU alumna Kym Whitley served as host. HBCU Honors also featured a star-studded line up of performers and presenters.
Henson was also able to experience Washington, D.C. during her stay.
“I had great conversations and felt very at home and welcomed by all Thurgood Marshall College Fund staff. Watching them together inspired me because they represented Black excellence in their roles,” she said.
Her favorite moment from the event was watching the presentations and performances.
“I always watched BET award shows as a kid so to be able to say I was in the audience of one is something I will never forget,” Henson said.
