As the nation navigates a partial government shutdown, war, and the continued challenges of economic and educational disparities due to racism, UNCF gathered on March 5 to continue its mission of empowering African American students and emphasizing the power of investing in their minds and future.
“[UNCF] ensures that brilliant minds are not left behind, simply because of circumstance. I, personally, love what they do,” said actor, singer and faith leader Clifton Davis, the 2026 UNCF President’s Award honoree, during the annual “A Mind Is…” National Gala at The Westin DC in Northwest.
Even before his days starring as the Rev. Reuben Gregory on “Amen” (1986-1991), or Vernon Dupree in the CBS show “Beyond the Gates,” Davis made a commitment to the organization that has worked to uplift historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) since 1944, even performing on the beloved Lou Rawls “UNCF Parade of Stars Marathon.”
“I accept this award, not just with gratitude, but with renewed commitment,” Davis continued. “I am honored to stand with UNCF, and will continue supporting its mission, helping students at HBCUs, meet their obligations, achieve their goals, and receive the education they deserve.”
Davis was one of many honorees during the formal event, which transformed the Westin’s Ballroom to a site of glamorous Black excellence honoring the 37 UNCF institutions and the work the organization has done over the past 82 years. Other honorees included Pepco, FanDuel and the Jordan Brand, who received UNCF Keeper of the Flame Awards.
“A mentor once told me, many, many years ago, that ‘a mind once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.’ And I will tell you, UNCF has had a tremendous, tremendous impact in the minds of many,” said Amber Perry, vice president of governmental and external affairs and region president at Pepco, accepting on behalf of the corporation. “Tonight represents something bigger than an award. It really reflects what is possible in business, education, and community leadership, moved in alignment to expand opportunity.”
Perry explained the Pepco and UNCF partnership is “rooted in impact.”
“For years, we have worked together to strengthen talent pipelines, support students, through scholarships, and mentorship. It’s investing in programs that prepare the next generation,” she continued. “Our commitment to this event and UNCF initiatives reflect our broader focus on educational equity, workforce development, and long term economic vitality, across the communities that we proudly, proudly serve at Pepco.”
Other organizations that bolstered the annual gathering included President’s Circle sponsors Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Air Lines and The Coca-Cola Company; Legacy Circle sponsor ExxonMobil; and Visionary Circle sponsors Alaska Airlines, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Bank of America, General Motors, Toyota and US Bank.
Dr. Michael Lomax, who is celebrating 22 years as UNCF president, shared some of the initiatives the organization is doing to support HBCUs and the hundreds of thousands of students who enroll in the institutions annually, such as a $500 million endowment.
“That one-half billion dollars in endowment assets are producing returns for UNCF and our member HBCUs. $500 million. That is not luck or external forces alone. That is strategy, that is execution, and that is what happens when a movement meets a moment,” he said. “But we cannot stop, there is so much more to do.”
During the annual fundraiser, which raised an additional $55,000 in donations during the event, Lomax highlighted the importance of giving back to UNCF, particularly at a challenging time for the nation.
“Our institutions, that make such great contributions, need us now more than ever. Our students, talented, young — they get younger every year — energetic, ambitious, lead us,” the UNCF president told the attendees in the packed ballroom. “Our bodacious plan is going to build a future. We are building on these demands that keep growing and going.”