Aside from highlighting black excellence and bringing HBCU life to the masses, "A Different World" introduced us to a few of our favorites, one of them being Jada Pinkett Smith. Easily one of the most memorable underclassmen at Hillman College, Smith's character, Lena James was smart, tough, and conscious. Now, more than twenty-five years since her freshman debut, the talented actress turned Hollywood megastar will be honored with the Icon Award at HBCU Power Awards at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

Co-founded by Morehouse alumni and actor Derek “Fonzworth Bentley”  Watkins, event producer Jash'd Kambui Belcher, and Wall Street executive Roderick Hardamon, the event highlights the achievements of young HBCU alumni and leading icons in business, sports, philanthropy, media, music, technology, TV, film, politics, civil service and fashion. The HBCU Power Awards is a fundraising initiative that filters money into need-based scholarships for Morehouse College. "We created the HBCU Power Awards to serve as a platform to celebrate black excellence and to highlight the importance of HBCUs in our communities," Belcher said in a statement. "Our honorees embody the spirit of success and commitment to the community that HBCUs have instilled in students for decades."

In addition to Pinkett Smith, the October 20th event will also recognize the following influencers: Coltrane Curtis (founder, Team Epiphany), Kyle Hagler (president, Next Management), Nzinga Shaw (Chief Diversity Officer, Atlanta Hawks), Keinon Johnson (VP, Urban Promotions, Interscope Records), Phylicia Fant (SVP, Publicity, Warner Bros Records), Beverly Anderson (EVP, Cards & Retail Services, Wells Fargo) and Rob Rumley (Chair, Atlanta Housing Authority). 

With performances by RCA recording artist H.E.R. and appearances by Atlanta's best, this event is sure to be LIT! Click here to purchase $20 tickets.