The HBCU All-Stars Awards Ceremony & Reception will bring together student-athletes, coaches, and community changemakers for an inspiring evening celebrating excellence, impact, and legacy during the HBCU All-Star Game Experience Weekend. The event will be held on Thurs. April 2 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center at 7:30 p.m.
Held as part of the nation’s largest HBCU basketball showcase during college basketball’s biggest weekend, the awards ceremony recognizes the country’s top HBCU student-athletes, outstanding coaches, and influential community leaders who are making meaningful contributions in athletics, academics, leadership, and service.
More than an awards program, the evening represents the spirit of HBCU excellence—where legacy, achievement, and community impact converge in one powerful experience. The ceremony will celebrate individuals whose work uplifts communities while advancing equity, opportunity, and access for future generations.
Throughout the HBCU All-Star Game Experience Weekend, programming extends far beyond the basketball court. Activities will include community engagement initiatives, scholarship support, youth-focused programming, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations serving under-resourced communities. The weekend is designed to create lasting impact while highlighting the transformative role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in shaping leaders across the nation.
“The HBCU All-Star Game Experience is about far more than basketball—it is about creating pathways for students, student-athletes, coaches and celebrating the institutions and leaders who continue to shape our communities,” said Travis L. Williams, Founder and CEO of HBCU All-Stars. “This awards ceremony allows us to recognize individuals whose leadership reflects the core values of exposure, access, recognition, opportunities, resources, and results. We are proud to honor those who embody the excellence and impact that HBCUs represent across the country.”
Award honorees selected from the Indianapolis community exemplify the mission and spirit of the HBCU All-Stars initiative. These individuals have dedicated their work to strengthening communities while creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders. The 2025 honorees are as follows:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Patricia Payne, Indianapolis Public Schools
- Access to Capital Award: Al London, Generations Bank
- Building our Community Award: Deborah Oatts, Nubian Construction Group
- Community Lens Award: Dennis Jarrett, 300 Cameras for 300 Kids
- Distinguished Image Maker Award: Dr. Russell Liedet, 15 White Coats
- Elevate the Culture Award: Deidre Lindsey, Jack & Jill of America
- Gateway Ambassador Award: Holli Harrington, Indianapolis Airport Authority
- Guardian of Light Award: Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson II, Eastern Star Church
- HBCUs Game Changer Award: Tony Pearson, Eli Lilly
- Leader in Sports Award: Jimmie McMillan, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Momentum Makers Award: Danny Portee, PME
- Pillar of Community Health Leadership Award: Dr. Virginia Caine, Chief Medical Officer, Marion County Public Health Department
- Positive Pathways Award: Maggie A. Lewis, Boys and Girls Club and Indianapolis City-County Council
- Servant Leadership Award: Tavonna Harris-Askew, Suburban Health
- Uplifting Our Communities Award: Tonya Sisco, Cummins
- United for Impact Award: Corey and Nichole Wilson, Pacers Foundation and IU Health
- Voice of the Community Award: Robert Shegog and Shannon Williams, Recorder Media Group and TMT
To purchase game tickets and register for additional HBCU All-Star weekend events, visit www.hbcuallstargame.com.
For more news, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
