The HBCU Initiative Returns to Lansing to Empower the Next Generation Through Education, Culture and Opportunity

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The excitement is building as the 2nd Annual HBCU Initiative: Empower, Educate & Excellence prepares to return to Lansing this December, continuing a mission that is about much more than college recruitment. It is about opening doors, expanding dreams, and introducing young people to the rich legacy and life-changing opportunities found at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5852 Wise Road in Lansing, the event will once again bring together HBCU representatives, Divine Nine organizations, scholarship opportunities, community resources, inspiring speakers, alumni, students, and families for an afternoon dedicated to education, empowerment, and Black excellence.

The initiative is the vision of Nasaan Jackson, a Lansing native whose passion for HBCUs has grown into a community movement focused on helping local students discover pathways to higher education. Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, organizers are expanding opportunities for students to connect directly with colleges, mentors, professionals, and organizations committed to helping them succeed. Attendees can expect college information, scholarship resources, networking opportunities, educational workshops, entertainment, and conversations designed to encourage students to dream bigger and prepare for their futures.

As a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, I know firsthand the transformational impact an HBCU education can have. HBCUs have long served as centers of academic excellence, leadership development, cultural pride, and community service, producing generations of educators, business leaders, scientists, judges, physicians, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who continue to shape our nation. That is one of the reasons The Chronicle Media Group is proud to sponsor this year's initiative. We believe investing in education is one of the greatest investments any community can make.

In addition, Lansing Community Catalyst will work alongside the HBCU Initiative to help raise financial support and community partnerships that will ensure the event continues to grow and reach even more students throughout Mid-Michigan. "This initiative is about planting seeds," Jackson said. "Sometimes all a young person needs is exposure to new possibilities and someone who believes in them. We want every student to know there is a place where they belong and people who are invested in their success."

Organizers are also inviting HBCU students, alumni, Divine Nine members, businesses, churches, educators, and community organizations to become part of this growing movement by volunteering, sponsoring, donating, or participating in the event.

Event Information

2nd Annual HBCU Initiative: Empower, Educate & Excellence

📅 Friday, December 11, 2026

🕚 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

📍 5852 Wise Road, Lansing, MI 48911

Individuals and organizations interested in sponsoring, volunteering, donating, or partnering with the initiative are encouraged to contact nasaanjackson5@gmail.com. As our community continues investing in the next generation, initiatives like this remind us that education is about more than earning a degree; it is about building confidence, expanding possibilities, and creating future leaders. At The Chronicle News, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to see what is possible. We are honored to stand beside Nasaan Jackson and the HBCU Initiative as they continue inspiring young people to pursue excellence, embrace their heritage, and boldly prepare for the future. Because when we invest in our students today, we strengthen our communities for generations to come.