A new cultural moment is on the horizon, one designed not only to entertain but also to transform futures.
Live Nation Urban and the Student Freedom Initiative have announced HBCU Aware Fest, a historic, week-long celebration created to raise funds and awareness around one of the most devastating financial burdens facing young Black Americans today: the student debt crisis disproportionately affecting HBCU students.
Taking place in Atlanta from March 21–26, 2026, the festival will culminate in a star-studded, multi-act concert at State Farm Arena on March 26.
The numbers tell a story too many families already know well. Student loan debt in the U.S. has reached a staggering $1.7 trillion, impacting 43 million borrowers, each carrying an average balance of $38,000.
For HBCU graduates, the burden is even heavier. The average debt at graduation is $52,000, a financial weight that delays major life milestones like homeownership, family planning, and the ability to build generational wealth.
This level of debt also stretches repayment timelines, creates economic instability, and limits career mobility, adding pressure to students already working twice as hard to secure opportunities in an unequal system.
These disparities were the catalyst for the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), founded in 2020 following philanthropist Robert F. Smith’s groundbreaking 2019 gift, wiping out the student debt of Morehouse College’s graduating class.
SFI now operates as a trusted 501(c)(3) committed to increasing economic mobility for students at HBCUs through a student-centered, evidence-based, and scalable model.
“This isn’t charity — it’s an investment in our futures,” the mission behind Aware Fest emphasizes. Every dollar raised goes directly toward SFI programs that reduce student loan dependency and support HBCU communities year-round.
Over six days, Atlanta will transform into the beating heart of HBCU pride, hosting a full slate of cultural and community-centered events, including a Kickoff Party, the HBCU Impact Summit, a Celebrity Basketball Game, a Divine 9 Step Show, the Laugh It Off Comedy Night, a Sunday Worship & Gospel Experience, and the HBCU Aware Fest Concert.
The HBCU Aware Fest Concert will bring together artists and leaders across generations and genres:
Performers include:
Jill Scott, John Legend, Earth, Wind & Fire, Metro Boomin, GloRilla, Tems, Jeezy, Kirk Franklin, Coco Jones, Common, PJ Morton, Yolanda Adams, Mickey Guyton, Adam Blackstone, Travis Greene, and more.
Special appearances:
Robert F. Smith, Mayor Andre Dickens, Chris Paul, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Larenz Tate, Angel Reese, Big Boi, 2 Chainz, Ryan Clark, among others.
Plus, a spotlight performance from the cast of Alicia Keys’ Broadway hit Hell’s Kitchen.
