Introduction to UNCF’s 81st Anniversary Celebration
The United Negro College Fund is celebrating its 81st anniversary with a powerful mix of music, memories, and mission. On Friday, April 25, UNCF and Omni-Channel Radio will host the Second Annual UNCF/Omni-Channel Radio Radiothon—a 12-hour live stream fundraiser aimed at supporting college scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This year’s event comes with a special tribute to the late soul legend Frankie Beverly, honoring his enduring musical legacy while raising funds for future generations.
The Radiothon Event
Running from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Radiothon will showcase a who’s who of musical legends, community voices, and celebrity guests, all rallying behind one call to action: help students get to and through college. This year’s theme—“25 – $25 – 25”—calls for 1,000 listeners to each donate $25 on April 25, with the goal of raising $25,000 in a single day. As the UNCF says, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”
Participants and Performers
Confirmed participants include:
- Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO, UNCF
- Lisa Rollins, Regional Development Director, UNCF
- Musical icons such as Melba Moore, Howard Hewett, The Spinners, Keith Washington, Billy Brown, and Copeland Davis
- Tribute to Frankie Beverly featuring Roame Lowery (original Maze member) and Jubu Smith, Beverly’s lead guitarist
Invited but not yet confirmed guests include Senator Cory Booker, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, comedian Luenell, and entertainers like Lenny Williams, Smokey Robinson, and Jalen Hurts.
How to Participate and Donate
Listeners can tune in on the Omni-Channel Radio App or at www.OmniChannelRadio.com, where they can also donate. When giving, supporters should click the UNCF tab and include “OMNI” in the “Honoring” line. All donations go directly to UNCF.
The Importance of Supporting HBCUs
The event draws inspiration from the historic Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon, reimagined for a digital age. Here’s why this matters:
- From 2023 to 2024, 310 Illinois students received UNCF scholarships
- UNCF awards $100 million annually in scholarships to students across 1,100+ institutions, including its network of 37 HBCUs
- HBCUs are responsible for educating:
- 70% of Black doctors
- 50% of Black lawyers
- 80% of Black judges
- HBCUs have nurtured leaders from Kamala Harris and Martin Luther King Jr. to Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, and Stephen A. Smith
Conclusion
The Radiothon celebrates the legacy of HBCUs and the generations yet to come. By supporting this event, individuals can contribute to the education and empowerment of future leaders. For more information and ways to give, visit www.OmniChannelRadio.com.
FAQs
- Q: What is the purpose of the UNCF/Omni-Channel Radio Radiothon?
A: The purpose is to raise funds for college scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). - Q: How can I participate in the Radiothon?
A: You can tune in on the Omni-Channel Radio App or at www.OmniChannelRadio.com and donate by clicking the UNCF tab and including “OMNI” in the “Honoring” line. - Q: What is the goal of the “25 – $25 – 25” theme?
A: The goal is to have 1,000 listeners each donate $25 on April 25, with the aim of raising $25,000 in a single day. - Q: Why are HBCUs important?
A: HBCUs are crucial for educating and empowering future leaders, with a significant impact on the number of Black professionals in various fields, including medicine, law, and judiciary.
