The HBCU community is getting a major cultural boost in 2026 with the launch of HBCU AwareFest, a brand-new music and impact-driven festival spearheaded by billionaire philanthropist Robert F. Smith.
The inaugural event drops March 21, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia bringing together music, technology, student opportunity, and Black excellence for a first-of-its-kind experience.
Backed by a dynamic partnership between the Student Freedom Initiative and entertainment powerhouse Live Nation, HBCU AwareFest is on track to become one of the most influential, HBCU Festivals in the country.
The festival series will feature nationally recognized artists from Hip-Hop, R&B, Afrobeat, and Gospel genres. While the complete lineup is still being finalized, organizers have confirmed that headliners and special guests will perform on multiple Historically Black College and University campuses throughout 2026.
HBCU Awarefest Scheduled Artists include
Jill Scott, John Legend, Earth Wind & Fire, Metro Boomin, Glorilla, Tems, Jeezy, Kirk Franklin, Coco Jones, Common, P J Morton, Yolanda Adams, Mickey Guydon, Adam Blackstone, Travis Greene.
Special Appearances
Robert F. Smith, Mayor Andre Dickens, Chris Paul, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Larenz Tate, Angel Reese, Big Boi, 2 Chainz, Ryan Clark, The cast of Alicia Keys hit Broadway Musical, "Hells Kitchen" and more!
Live Nation Collaboration
When the biggest concert promoter on the planet "Live Nation" links with the billionaire who paid off an entire Morehouse class’s student loans in 2019, magic happens. The collaboration with Live Nation marks a significant step in bringing large-scale concert production to HBCU campuses. Live Nation will manage production, ensuring professional concert standards including staging, lighting, and sound.
The partnership will enable festival-grade experiences in locations that typically host smaller events, while maintaining a direct philanthropic impact.
Event Format and Timeline
- Multiple HBCU campuses will host events (specific locations to be announced in spring 2025)
- Programming will include daytime activities, career panels, and evening main-stage concerts
- Discounted student tickets will be available through an “AwarePass” program
- Select performances will be livestreamed for broader access
Supporting the Student Freedom Initiative
All proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships will support the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), a nonprofit organization founded by Robert F. Smith in 2020. The initiative provides income-contingent financing alternatives to federal Parent PLUS loans for students at participating HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. AwareFest 2026 is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars in additional funding for the program.
About Robert F. Smith
Robert F. Smith is a billionaire entrepreneur, investor, and one of the leading philanthropists supporting HBCUs. As the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, he oversees one of the world’s most successful enterprise software investment firms. Smith is nationally recognized for paying off student loan debt for the entire 2019 graduating class of Morehouse College and continues to champion HBCU access through initiatives like the
- HBCU support and Black economic advancement.Key philanthropic contributions include:
- A $40 million gift in 2019 that paid off all student debt for the Morehouse College Class of 2019.
- Founding the Student Freedom Initiative with an initial $50 million commitment.
- Establishing internships, STEM scholarships, and endowment support at numerous HBCUs.
- Signing the Giving Pledge to donate the majority of his wealth during his lifetime.
For the latest updates on HBCU AwareFest 2026, visit: https://www.awarefest.org/
