HBCUs continue to outperform expectations as engines of opportunity; enrolling and graduating students at rates that far exceed their share of higher education, particularly in STEM fields. That’s one of the major findings of a new report, “Still Punching Above their Weight,” released by UNCF’s Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI). We’ll hear from FDPRI’s Vice President –an HBCU historian, scholar, and N.C. A&T Aggie– Dr. Jelani M. Favors, on the work of FDPRI in being a leading research voice and authority on HBCUs and keep telling the valuable stories of these historic institutions.

Howard University graduate and Atlanta native Nicole Banks and her father, Atlanta attorney Gabe Banks, are the entrepreneurs behind the new Donatos Pizza location in McDonough, Georgia. But this story is more than about building a business: it’s a father-daughter legacy building bonds and generational wealth, one pizza at a time.

Three friends launched a merchant app that is changing the financial recordkeeping game for small business owners while helping them build wealth. Atlanta-based startup Guala is a modern merchant wallet, built to simplify how independent business owners, creators, and entrepreneurs get paid. Founded by Austin Evans and CMO and Morehouse alum Sencere Smith, Guala was created to eliminate the payment friction that millions of small businesses experience every day—serving as a centralized merchant wallet that helps users organize sales, track revenue, and move money more efficiently, which gives entrepreneurs the tools to operate and scale with greater confidence. The startup also announced a new leadership addition, with acclaimed creative director Desyree Nicole joining the company as Creative Strategist, who is known for her work across fashion, sports, and culture.

The XCEL Summit For Men is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering men—celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite.

The 2026 Xcel Summit will be held October 21-23, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in ORLANDO, FL.

Paying for college can add stress to families as the cost of living and everyday expenses continue to rise. We’ll speak with an expert in this space—UNCF Director of Outreach & Recruitment, Mary Williams—on ways families can pay for college, with helpful resources and tips as students return back to campus.

Curtis Symonds is a trailblazing media executive, cable television pioneer, and champion for representation whose four-decade career has reshaped how audiences experience sports, culture, and storytelling. As Co-Founder and President of HBCU GO, the nation’s leading digital platform for HBCU sports and entertainment, Symonds has built unprecedented visibility for the 107 HBCUs. Under his leadership, HBCU GO has expanded nationwide through major broadcast partnerships—creating a dynamic, inclusive platform that celebrates HBCU athletics, education, and excellence. Before revolutionizing HBCU media, Symonds was a key architect in the growth of Black Entertainment Television (BET). His career began at ESPN, where he played an integral role in the network’s early affiliate marketing and expansion efforts, contributing to its rise as a dominant force in sports media. He was recently inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame.