HBI University Black Excellence and Exceptional Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award Gala

HBI University proudly announces the 2026 Black Excellence and Exceptional Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award and Gala, a two-day celebration honoring 100 outstanding individuals for their achievements, leadership, and humanitarian service.
This event recognizes men and women whose lives and work reflect excellence, courage, compassion, and lasting impact. Through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and service, these honorees have helped improve lives in fields such as public service, ministry, business, healthcare, law, counseling, the arts, athletics, and philanthropy.
The Black Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award honors those whose contributions have uplifted communities and advanced humanitarian values. The Exceptional Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes visionary leaders whose integrity, influence, and service have inspired others and strengthened institutions.
All honorees will also receive the HBIU Iconic Leadership Award from the government, identified as the Connecticut State Treasury, in addition to other awards.

Areas of Recognition
Nominees may be recognized in the following categories:
1. Government—Police, Fire Service, Military, Federal Service
2. Entertainment – Music, Film, Theater, Dance
3. Healthcare – Medicine, Nursing, Healthcare Administration
4. Business – Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation
5. Law – Judiciary, Law Enforcement, Legal Services
6. Counseling – Mental Health, Social Work, Counseling Services
7. Athletics – Sports, Fitness, Wellness
8. Nonprofit Sector – Philanthropy, Community Development, Social Services
9. Religious Sector – Pastoral Ministry, Christian Leadership, Faith-Based Initiatives

Gala Highlights
The 2026 Black Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award Gala will feature a formal award ceremony, keynote addresses from distinguished global leaders, live entertainment, a Cocktail Hour/VIP Reception, and special recognition presented by local government representatives. Honorees will receive either the Black Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award or the Exceptional Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award, along with a pin, plaque, and certificate. Guest tickets for family and friends are $150 per person.
We warmly invite you to join us for this historic and meaningful celebration.
Honorary Doctoral Graduation
HBI University will host its Honorary Doctoral Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This special ceremony will recognize individuals whose leadership, professional accomplishments, and service over the past 10 to 15 years have made a lasting impact in their fields, communities, and beyond.
Learn more: https://hbiuhonorydegree.com/

HBIU Global Leadership Summit
HBI University will also host its Global Leadership Summit on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The summit will bring together leaders from diverse sectors to share insight, expertise, and lived experiences while inspiring and equipping others to create meaningful change locally, nationally, and globally.
HBI University proudly welcomes honorees, leaders, families, and supporters to this unforgettable occasion.