Inaugural Yard Fest Set To Take Place in Atlanta

The first-ever EBONY HBCU Yard Fest is taking place this fall at Morehouse College at the AU Center near downtown Atlanta.

The event will feature a fun-filled collegiate slate designed to celebrate and uplift student life at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Set to take place on Tuesday, September 24 from 5-8pm EST, this campus takeover brings together thousands of students from Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and Morris Brown for an evening of entertainment, enrichment, and financial empowerment.

What’s Happening at the HBCU Yard Fest?

Here’s the Yard Fest schedule:

“EBONY HBCU Yard Fest isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of the boundless energy and remarkable potential found within every HBCU student,” said Eden Bridgeman, CEO of EBONY. “We’re curating an environment where education, entertainment, and empowerment seamlessly blend to offer an unforgettable experience for the AUC community. This fest is our way of honoring HBCU students, letting them know that their stories are important, their aspirations are worthy, and their futures are limitless.”

EBONY and Wells Fargo have teamed up to present an exclusive live recording of the hit podcast Funky Friday, hosted by former NFL star Cam Newton. This special episode will include a thoughtful conversation around financial literacy to provide tools and personal finance tips for students, featuring EBONY CEO Eden Bridgeman. Together, they’ll share their earliest money memories and actionable advice to empower students on their journey to financial success. The live recording will be open to AUC students, with limited space available.

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“Our support for HBCUs goes back decades. That’s why we’re so excited to collaborate with EBONY and Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast at the inaugural EBONY HBCU Yard Fest,” says Michael Martino, Head of Diverse Customer Segments for Consumer, Small and Business Banking at Wells Fargo. “Financial literacy is crucial in the Black community, so showing up on the yard and helping students learn about the mainstream banking system to start managing their finances independently is just one way we hope to continue making a difference.”

To help set the vibes at EBONY HBCU Yard Fest, EBONY and 300 Entertainment collaborated to bring emerging artists OMB Peezy, Chikoruss and WanMor to perform in the New & Next Up Artists Showcase. Gold-certified artist OMB Peezy has captivated fans with a string of hit singles garnering over 20 million global streams. Montreal R&B sensation Chikoruss opened for Bryson Tiller on tour in 2023 and is now a mainstay on Gen-Z playlists, racking up millions of streams. R&B quartet WanMor is rapidly becoming the definitive boy group of the modern era – performing alongside legends like Stevie Wonder. The group is signed to Mary J. Blige’s Beautiful Life Productions, Inc. in partnership with 300 Entertainment. New & Next Up is a new franchise from EBONY to amplify rising talent from different industries. AUC students will also have the opportunity to take the stage in the EBONY Young Gifted & Black Talent Show where 10 lucky participants will perform for a chance to win a cash prize to help kickstart their talent development. For more information on how to submit an audition video, check out ebony.com/hbcuyardfest.

Social media sensation and talk show host Dai Time will serve as emcee for EBONY HBCU Yard Fest, which will feature interactive games, competitions and exclusive giveaways. Morehouse students will also have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience related to their studies by volunteering for apprenticeship positions during this special event.

Additionally, EBONY will join forces with the ACLU, WestCare Georgia, and other experts to provide on-site activations covering important topics such as sex education, beauty & grooming, and health & wellness, giving students access to a variety of formative learning opportunities.

“Thanks to Morehouse, Wells Fargo, 300 Entertainment, the ACLU, and WestCare Georgia’s support, we’re not only providing crucial knowledge but also amplifying the voices and talents of these remarkable students,” said Bridgeman. “We’re excited to kick off the school year by showcasing and uplifting the next generation of Black leaders.”

Final Word

Atlanta’s AU Center to home to some of the most storied historically black colleges in America. Check out our Spelman College Guide.

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