The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. announces the honorees for induction into the 2025 Hall of Fame

The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. will host its 40th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The ceremony will be hosted by award-winning journalists Monica Pearson, TV Personality and Kevin Frazier, co-host of Entertainment Tonight, serving as Mistress and Master of Ceremonies, respectively. Each year, graduates of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) are inducted into the Hall of Fame for significant contributions made in their respective fields. This event promotes the viability of HBCUs and highlights the accomplishments of their alumni. The Foundation announced its stellar class of graduates from HBCUs who will be inducted into the 2025 NBCA Hall of Fame. Joining over 300 previous inductees will be:

• Arts: Dr. Myles R. Cunningham, III, Virginia State University
  Dr. Myles R. Cunningham III, a two-time graduate of Virginia State University and an award-winning host, producer, author, and cultural strategist, has spent over 17 years shaping television, radio, film, digital media, and community advocacy. Known for his groundbreaking role on BET’s College Hill and his leadership in national campaigns for brands and nonprofits, he continues to champion HBCUs, diversity, and representation through mentorship, media, and civic engagement. Honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and multiple proclamations, Dr. Cunningham uses his platform to inform, empower, and create lasting cultural impact.
• Athletics: Dr. Richard Barnett (posthumously), Tennessee State University
  Dr. Richard “Dick” Barnett, a legendary basketball player from Tennessee State University, led the Tigers to three consecutive national championships under Coach John McLendon and enjoyed a 15-year professional career, including two NBA titles with the New York Knicks. Beyond the court, he earned multiple degrees, including a PhD, and dedicated his life to inspiring youth through education and his Dr. Richard Barnett Foundation. Until his passing in April 2025, he was a champion for education, civil rights, and empowering the next generation to pursue their dreams.
• Business: Latica Archie-Oliver, Claflin University (South Carolina)
  Latica “Tish” Archie-Oliver, a Claflin University alumna, serves as Chief Inclusion & Belonging Officer at Gap Inc., where she leads a global strategy embedding inclusion across the entire employee experience. With over 25 years in leadership roles at Citi, Colgate-Palmolive, Tiffany & Co., and Unilever, she has pioneered diversity initiatives, championed equity, and advanced landmark advocacy like the CROWN Act. Nationally recognized for her impact, Tish continues to break barriers and build cultures where every person is seen, heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.
• Community Service: Daphney Aileen Young, Dillard University
  Daphney Aileen Young, a 1993 honors graduate of Dillard University, has dedicated her career to service, leadership, and community empowerment. As Senior Program Specialist with AARP and co-founder of Le Sanctuary, Inc., she champions advocacy for adults 50+, fosters literacy across generations, and has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to young women. Recognized by Coca-Cola’s Salute to Sisterhood Awards and the YWCA, Daphney’s work reflects her unwavering commitment to education, empowerment, and making a lasting impact.
• Education: Dr. Juliet King, Benedict College (South Carolina)
  Dr. Juliet King, a proud Benedict College alumna, has devoted over five decades to education, leadership, and community service in Miami, Florida. As co-founder of Coral Reef Montessori Academy, the first Montessori charter school in Florida, she has guided it to dual accreditation and national recognition, earning the distinction of being the first Black recipient of the American Montessori Society’s Living Legacy Award. A dedicated philanthropist and alumni leader, Dr. King has established a $150,000 scholarship endowment for Benedict College, reflecting her lifelong commitment to academic excellence and opportunity.
• Entertainment: Stephen A. Smith, Winston-Salem State University
  Stephen A. Smith, a proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, has built a 30+ year career as one of the most influential voices in sports and entertainment. From his start as a newspaper reporter to becoming the face of ESPN, he serves as Executive Producer and Host of The Stephen A. Smith Show™, lead commentator on First Take, panelist on NBA Countdown, and CEO of Straight Shooter Media. A New York Times bestselling author, Smith continues to shape sports commentary, media, and culture with his signature insight and unapologetic voice.
• Faith / Theology: Rev. Edward S. Reynolds, Morris Brown College
  Reverend Edward S. Reynolds, a distinguished Morris Brown College alumnus, has served for 25 years as Pastor of Midway Missionary Baptist Church in College Park, Georgia, following a 12-year tenure as Associate Pastor at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. A renowned preacher, public theologian, and civil rights advocate, he has been recognized by the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Board of Preachers and has held leadership roles with the King Center, SCLC, and the Progressive National Baptist Convention. With over five decades in ministry, Reverend Reynolds continues to inspire through his faith, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
• Government: Freeman Holifield, Sr., Alabama A&M UniversityFreeman Holifield, Sr., a proud Alabama A&M University alumnus and U.S. Army veteran, broke barriers as one of the first African American officers in the Huntsville Police Department and later as the first African American to achieve multiple leadership milestones at the U.S. Army Ordnance Missile & Munitions Center and School. Over a 33-year federal career, he advanced education services in the U.S. and abroad, earning historic promotions and widespread recognition. A lifelong advocate for his alma mater and community, Holifield’s legacy spans public service, higher education, and civic leadership.
• Industry: Douglas Gantt, South Carolina State University (South Carolina)
  Douglas D. Gantt, a 1984 graduate of South Carolina State University and current Chairman of its Board of Trustees, has led initiatives that expanded research opportunities, secured increased state funding, and strengthened alumni engagement. With over 30 years in pharmaceutical sales and leadership roles across global security and marketing, he has built a reputation for strategic growth and impactful results. A dedicated alumnus and community leader, Gantt continues to champion innovation, resilience, and excellence at his alma mater.
• Law: Kimberly Bullock Gatling, Esq., North Carolina A&T State University
  Kimberly Bullock Gatling, a North Carolina A&T State University honoree, is a partner and Chief Cultural Engagement Officer at Fox Rothschild LLP, where she also serves as a U.S. Registered Patent Attorney and Certified Trademark Specialist. With expertise in intellectual property, information technology, and data privacy, she advises clients nationwide while leading firmwide engagement and inclusion strategies. A dedicated community leader, Gatling has chaired and served on numerous boards, including United Way, Cone Health Foundation, and her alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University.
• Lifetime Achievement: Lt. Gen. Marvin D. & Mrs. June E. Brailsford, Prairie View A&M University
  Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Marvin D. Brailsford and June E. Brailsford, both proud Prairie View A&M University alumni, have dedicated their lives to service, leadership, and philanthropy. General Brailsford’s 33-year U.S. Army career culminated as Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, where he oversaw logistics for the Gulf War, followed by impactful roles in business and community development. June Brailsford, an accomplished musician and educator, has enriched communities through the arts, ministry, and civic engagement. Together, they have championed PVAMU through major fundraising efforts, endowed scholarships, and lifelong advocacy for education and service.
• Medicine: Dr. Warren Allen Jones, Dillard University
  Dr. Warren A. Jones, a 1971 Dillard University graduate, is a distinguished family physician, retired U.S. Navy Medical Corps Captain, and former Senior Medical Director for the TRICARE Military Health Program. He has held groundbreaking leadership roles in health policy, research, and education, including serving as the first African American President of the American Academy of Family Physicians and founding multiple health research institutes. A dedicated advocate for eliminating health disparities, Dr. Jones has established an endowed scholarship at Dillard University, continuing his lifelong mission to expand access to quality healthcare.
• Science: Dr. William E. Bennett, Lincoln University of PA
  Dr. William E. Bennett, a graduate of Lincoln University, is a pioneering biomedical scientist, educator, and former senior federal executive whose research and leadership have advanced public health, medical science, and health equity for over three decades. His groundbreaking work in immunology, transformative roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and institution-building efforts at Morehouse School of Medicine have left a lasting global impact. Honored with numerous awards and three honorary doctorates, Dr. Bennett’s legacy continues to inspire progress in science, medicine, and community empowerment.
• Chairman’s Award: Felica W. Coney, Southern University and A&M College
  Felica W. Coney, a trailblazing supply chain and operations executive with 30 years of global leadership experience, currently serves as Vice President at Google, overseeing global server operations and driving transformation through innovation, efficiency, and agility. Her career spans senior roles at Walmart, Collins Aerospace, and Procter & Gamble, where she led groundbreaking advancements in automation, digitization, and lean manufacturing. Recognized among “100 Black Board Members Making a Difference,” Coney also serves on multiple boards and advisory councils, shaping industry excellence and inclusion.

The Induction Ceremony is part of the 40th Annual NBCA Hall of Fame Weekend. Other events include: The Competition of Black College Queens, Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. HBCU Golf Classic, The Legacy of Leaders Alumni Honors, Positive Image Program, Call to Womanhood and Call to Manhood Symposiums, Self-Advocacy Workshop presented by Minda Harts, Screening of “The Memo” and other sessions intended to empower HBCU alumni and equip HBCU students to better serve their alma maters and communities as a whole.

The mission of the NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation is to serve as a catalyst and partner for ensuring the stability, strength, and excellence of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For more details on the events of the 2025 NBCA Hall of Fame Weekend and information on the programs and initiatives of the Foundation, please visit the website at www.nbcahof.org.