By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Briar Creek, NC - December 6, 1865, was profoundly symbolic; the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at The Westin Hotel–RDU was powerful as well. The 2nd Annual HBCU Triumph Gala was a celebration of the very legacy, pride, philanthropy, and endurance that keep us going today. The premier black-tie event dedicated to celebrating triumphs of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide, with a special focus on Shaw University, North Carolina's first HBCU. As Shaw University enters its 161st year, it is both powerful and inspiring to mark this historic moment by uplifting the legacy of HBCUs and celebrating leaders whose work exemplifies courage, resilience, and triumph.
The legal end of slavery and the birth of institutions paved the way for generations of empowerment. “The Thirteenth Amendment ended slavery, and Shaw University made sure we had a future. The Fourth of July freed the land, the 13th amendment freed the people,” shared Phyllis Coley, CEO/Publisher of Spectacular Magazine, as the remarks began. We heard from Dr. Paulette R. Dillard, the 18th President of Shaw University and a host of leaders and dignitaries throughout the evening, which honored individuals who have significantly advanced educational equity and opportunity while raising crucial scholarship funds to empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. The organization aims to reaffirm the transformative role of HBCUs in higher education while raising critical scholarship funds to empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
The 2025 Triumphant Honorees included: HBCU Triumph Magnum Opus Award: The Honorable Daniel T. Blue, Jr., Senator, NC State General Assembly. HBCU Triumph Community Activism Award: Mr. Marcus Bass, Deputy Director, NC Black Alliance. HBCU Triumph Legacy Award: The Dereck Whittenburg Foundation / Mr. & Mrs. Dereck & Jacqueline Whittenburg. Also celebrated, The Honorable Rosa Gill, Former Representative, NC State General Assembly, The Joseph Hiram Holt, Sr. & Elwyna Grant Haywood Holt Family and Descendants, and The Honorable Bob Etheridge, Former United States Congressman.
Money was raised, and so were toasts to the endurance and progress made by HBCUs in our area. The overwhelming encouragement could only be matched by the celebratory energy as the night went on. Every speaker had important nuggets and gems to share. This was certainly a successful celebration, raising funds for education and connecting the community in a beautiful space with gorgeous gowns and suits. We look forward to the 3rd Annual HBCU Triumph Awards!
