Blueteenth 2026: Hampton University $100,000 Scholarship Push, Legacy, Fellowship & Purpose by ATL Alumni Chapter

2026 Blueteenth Honorees (varied order): Jeresa Featherstone-Winfield, Jack Manning III, Mark W. Johnson, Michael Byrd, Lori Chennault, Dr. Karla Booker, and the Cast of CBS's Beyond the Gates (the first ever daytime drama featuring a predominantly African American cast which can serve to more accurately illuminate depth of African American people thru film) Photo: C Mitchell Studios

NHAA ATL Alumni Chapter's '10 Events in 4 Days' Powerful Push to Raise $100,000 Scholarships for Hampton University Students in Juneteenth Week

Highlight

Held annually during the week of Juneteenth, the 2026 Blueteenth Experience brought Hampton University alumni from across the country to Atlanta for four days of fellowship, networking, celebration, and service—raising more than $100,000 in scholarships to help ensure that no Georgia student has to leave Hampton University solely because of financial hardship.

Context

There are events that entertain, and then there are events that uplift.

The Atlanta Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association's annual Blueteenth Experience has become one of the most anticipated examples of the latter.

Held each year during the week of Juneteenth, Blueteenth is a powerful pairing of celebration and purpose. Hampton University itself sits in one of America's most historically significant regions. Located in Hampton, Virginia, near the area where the first recorded enslaved Africans arrived in English North America, the university also stands near sites tied to some of the earliest journeys toward freedom during the Civil War.

At the heart of Hampton's campus stands Emancipation Oak, the majestic tree beneath which Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was first read to formerly enslaved people in the area. With massive branches stretching outward and offering shade to generations who gather beneath it, the tree serves as a fitting symbol for Hampton University itself—strong, resilient, enduring, and providing shelter, opportunity, and growth for those who come under its influence.

That history also carries personal significance for HipHopTruth.com. Our own Strategic Director, and Hampton University alumna, Cherise Goines Seay, is the 11th Great Granddaughter of John Gowen (Goin), one of the earliest Africans documented in colonial Virginia and recognized for successfully petitioning for the freedom of his son, Michael Gowen (Goin), in 1641. Eleven generations later, the family legacy continues, with Hampton University remaining part of that story.

Against that historical backdrop, Blueteenth feels less like an event and more like a continuation of a legacy.

Over four days, alumni gathered for ten events designed to celebrate fellowship while supporting current and future students. The weekend included a welcome gathering, golf outing, health and wellness walk along Atlanta's BeltLine, VIP receptions, networking events, a casino-themed fundraiser, worship service, brunch, and the signature Beluga Blueteenth Celebration of Excellence Gala held at the Georgia Aquarium.

The atmosphere throughout the weekend could best be described as elegant first class Homecoming in the summertime with a powerful purpose.

Hampton hugs were exchanged.

Friendships spanning decades were renewed.

New professional connections were formed.

And every moment carried a larger purpose—creating educational opportunities for the next generation of Hamptonians.

The gala served as the centerpiece of the weekend, honoring a distinguished group of alumni whose lives exemplify service, achievement, and impact.

Among those recognized were:

• Jeresa Featherstone-Winfield — Young Alumni Impact Award

• Jack Manning III — Excellence in Arts & Entertainment Award

• Mark W. Johnson — Professional Achievement Award

• Michael Byrd — Ivory L. Young Jr. Community Service Award

• Lori Chennault — Ivory L. Young Jr. Community Service Award

• Dr. Karla Booker — Distinguished Service Award

Notably, Dr. Karla Booker is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., initiated through Hampton University's historic Gamma Theta Chapter chartered the same year as the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through which fellow honoree Mark W. Johnson was initiated as well as the Gamma Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where fellow honoree Lori Chennault was initiated and the Gamma Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. that initiated honoree Michael Byrd, all on their beloved Hampton University’s campus while pursuing their degrees.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Good Trouble Award to the cast and leadership of the groundbreaking daytime drama Beyond the Gates. As the first major daytime drama centered on African American families and experiences, the series has helped expand representation by presenting nuanced, multidimensional stories that reflect the richness, complexity, achievement, and humanity of Black life.

The evening also featured remarks from Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams, whose uplifting address reminded attendees of the university's ongoing mission and the importance of alumni continuing to invest in future generations.

Yet perhaps the most moving moment came at the close of the gala.

More than 150 elegantly dressed alumni rose to their feet, linked arms, and sang Hampton University's alma mater together.

The familiar Hampton University alma mater sway.

The perfectly timed pauses.

The spontaneous two-part harmony that somehow always emerges when Hamptonians gather.

For a few beautiful minutes, generations became one voice.

One family.

One legacy.

And one reminder that Hampton's greatest strength has never been its buildings, but its people.

By the end of the weekend, that spirit had translated into more than $100,000 in scholarships—support that will help current and future students pursue the same transformative education that changed so many lives before them.

Blueteenth proves that when alumni come together with purpose, celebration becomes impact.

And impact becomes legacy.

Tips/Key Takeaways

• Legacy Is Something We Build Together – The strongest institutions endure because each generation chooses to invest in the next. Blueteenth reminds us that giving back isn't just generosity—it's stewardship.

• Education Creates Ripples Across Generations – Every scholarship awarded represents opportunities not only for one student, but for families, communities, and future generations whose lives may be forever changed.

• Celebration Can Have Purpose – Fellowship, networking, and fun are powerful on their own. When paired with service and philanthropy, they become vehicles for lasting change.

  
  

Next Steps & Questions to Ask Yourself

• Mindful Reflection: What opportunity in my life exists today because someone before me opened a door, and how can I help hold that door open for someone else?

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