eHBCU Reflects On In-Person Launch at 2025 ESSENCE Festival (358 hits)
Following its national debut, eHBCU.edu— the first-ever digital platform designed to expand the reach and impact of HBCUs — commemorated its official in-person launch at the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. From July 3–6, the platform energized the Global Black Economic Forum Recruitment Center with a powerful, interactive booth designed to celebrate access, elevate student voices, and build community through real-time storytelling.
The activation gave festivalgoers a chance to experience the essence of HBCUs — digitally. From testimonial video confessionals to student-led portraits and “What’s Your E?” wall reflections, attendees helped co-create a living narrative of why HBCU legacy, mentorship, and cultural pride matter now more than ever.
Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, President of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design and one of the founding forces behind eHBCU, also took the GBEF Mainstage on July 4 for a conversation on financial literacy and economic empowerment. His message underscored the urgent need to build educational pipelines that meet Black learners where they are — online, on the go, and on their own terms. During his panel, Edwards remarked;
“We at eHBCU understand that knowledge is wealth. Pensole Lewis is proud to come together with our partner schools to close the knowledge and wealth gap that so many young Black Americans are facing. When we expand accessibility, we create avenues for opportunity.”
The response was overwhelming, with thousands of attendees engaging with the booth, sharing their educational journeys, and signing up to learn more about courses, certifications, and mentorship opportunities. Media outlets, partners, and prospective students alike walked away with a clear message — HBCU excellence is now accessible from anywhere in the world.
ABOUT eHBCU.edu eHBCU is the first digital learning platform to unify the legacy of HBCUs into one online destination. Backed by a consortium of six HBCUs, the platform offers culturally responsive degree and certificate programs, mentorship, and career pathways that empower Black learners across the globe.
