Live Nation Urban and the Student Freedom Initiative are launching the first-ever HBCU Awarefest, a major fundraiser focused on reducing student loan debt for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The event will be held at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on March 26, 2026. Presale tickets open November 19 at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the general sale on November 21.
The lineup brings together leading voices in R&B, soul, hip-hop, and gospel. Jill Scott, John Legend, and Earth, Wind & Fire headline, with performances from Common, Coco Jones, PJ Morton, Mickey Guyton, Tems, Travis Greene, and Yolanda Adams. Additional appearances from Jeezy, GloRilla, Metro Boomin, Adam Blackstone, and cast members of Hell’s Kitchen add further range to the night.
Beyond music, Awarefest aims to raise national awareness about student loan debt affecting HBCU students. The event supports the Student Freedom Loan Agreement—an income-based alternative designed to replace high-interest Parent PLUS Loans. SFI president and CEO Keith Shoates emphasized the growing coalition working to ease financial barriers for Black students.
Speakers from sports, entertainment, and business will join the festival, including Mayor Andre Dickens, Chris Paul, Angel Reese, Big Boi, Larenz Tate, Robert F. Smith, Ryan Clark, and 2 Chainz. Workshops and panels will highlight the economic importance of HBCUs and explore long-term solutions to the racial wealth gap through accessible education pathways.
