In a celebration of creativity, leadership and the positive impact of Howard University students, comedian and alumnus Nick Cannon received a surprise Humanitarian Award at the Bison Choice Awards on April 14.
The celebratory evening, part of the university’s annual “Made in the Mecca” Springfest, honors the vitality of students and alumni who remain dedicated to uplifting the future of African American leadership and innovation, including roots in the historically Black institution nestled in Northwest D.C.
“I’m not good with surprises, but I know if I got back on campus…whatever [Howard] needed me for, I was gonna be there,” said Cannon as he accepted the award in Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium.
The Bison Choice Awards is an annual ceremony that showcases students’ achievements and music, while celebrating culture, influence, pride, and community impact. As a standout event of the institution’s highly anticipated Springfest tradition – a week dedicated to school spirit, season greetings, and academic and cultural recognition – the celebration reflects the rich and diverse experiences that shape the community of Howard University.
Jada White, this year’s Miss Cathy Hughes School of Communications, shared her insights on how important Springfest is to the Bison community.
“Springfest is definitely like our homecoming for the spring,” said White. “[The Bison Choice Awards are] really important to kick everything off — [getting] the student body dialed up and involved.”
The award presentation at this year’s event celebrated Cannon’s commitment to serving and empowering marginalized communities through mentorship, entertainment, community outreach, and education.
“To actually receive an award for something I try to do daily and quietly is humbling,” said Cannon, “so thank you.”
Cannon graduated from Howard University in 2020 with a bachelor of science in Criminology/Administration of Justice and a minor in African Studies. Beyond earning the “H-U, You Know!” badge of honor, the entertainer has always played a pivotal role in uplifting and supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including clearing the loans and debt of several HBCU students in 2021.
In a full circle moment, Christian Kornegay (also known as “CDK on the Mic”), a graduate of North Carolina A&T University whose tuition Cannon paid off, presented the honoree with the surprise humanitarian award on April 14.
“You don’t only inspire,” Kornegay said. “You mentor, you uplift, and you remind us, when we stop being afraid to die, we start living.”
Inspiring Others Through Service
Attendees like Damaris Moore, the 86th Miss Howard University, considered the moment one of inspiration for the other aspiring change makers in the room.
“It was really cool just to see him here and still heavily involved in the betterment of students trying to follow in his footsteps,” Moore told The Informer. “I think it was a great representation for students to see.”
Cannon also emphasized the importance of students giving back.
“Hopefully this is just another example on how to pay it forward, and when you guys make all of your millions and billions, you can reach back and give to others because that’s what we’re here to do as a community,” he said.
With Kornegay’s heartfelt presentation, and Cannon’s emphasis on community and humanitarianism, the moment not only embodied the importance of giving back to HBCUs but also to the Black community as a whole.
“I’m true to the HBCU spirit forever,” Cannon lauded. “And as we know here at Howard, it’s all about truth and service.”
As a Howard University freshman, celebrating his first Springfest, Gabe Jones shared insights on his experience.
“It was honestly incredibly exciting to see Nick Cannon here tonight,” said Jones, who also won Videographer of the Year at the award ceremony. “I’m a pretty big fan. One of my favorite movies is ‘Love Don’t Cost a Thing,’ so you know it was really cool to see [Cannon].”
White, a broadcast journalism major wrapping her junior year, emphasized it is always special when alumni return to the university — “whether famous or not.”
“I think a lot of us have to understand that we really can be somebody someday,” she told The Informer. “It’s very fundamental to show that the Howard University Bison, we’re all about serving with excellence — with truth and service.”