A Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress, she is celebrated for her soulful vocals, poetic lyrics, and ability to blend R&B, jazz, and spoken word. Her performance at the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival on June 23, 2017, delivered an intimate and inspiring show that resonated deeply with the audience, illustrating the power of authentic […]
A towering figure in jazz, Duke Ellington was a prolific composer, pianist, and bandleader whose sophisticated compositions pushed the boundaries of the genre. His performances at Hampton Institute, including his attendance at the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival (which began at HU in 1968), immersed music lovers in the elegance and complexity of big band
Known as the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz vocal legend whose impeccable phrasing, scat singing, and vocal agility made her one of the greatest singers of all time. Her frequent presence at the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival, once held at Hampton University’s Armstrong Stadium, connected the Hampton community with jazz
A legendary singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Stevie Wonder is a true music icon known for his innovative sound and profound lyrics that often-carried messages of love, unity, and social justice. His performance at Hampton Institute on May 1, 1972, deeply inspired his audience with his musical genius and powerful presence, demonstrating the potential of
A celebrated concert singer and the first Black American to sing at a U.S. presidential inauguration, she also founded The Harlem School of the Arts. Her musical talent and dedication to arts education provided inspiration and cultural enrichment to the campus.
A Grammy Award-winning musical artist (and close relative of former Hampton University President William R. Harvey) celebrated globally for his songwriting and performances, Richie’s visits brought significant cultural excitement and inspiration to students, particularly those in the arts and music programs.
An award-winning author and activist, he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in U.S. History for his bestselling book, Still Invisible? Examining America’s Black Male Crisis in 2020. His critically acclaimed homage to Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, was an Amazon #1 New Release and went on to win several honors, including the Florida Book Award
A prominent philanthropist and activist, known for her dedication to various causes, she delivered an inspirational speech and a significant gift to the School of Journalism, directly supporting the next generation of media professionals.
Sandra Evers-Manly Read More »
A Pulitzer Prize-winning author, best known for The Color Purple, her literary contributions and activism enriched discussions on campus about African American history, feminism, and social justice.
A distinguished scholar, civil rights theorist, and the first African American woman to be tenured at Harvard Law School, her intellectual contributions and insights into voting rights and democracy enriched academic discourse on campus.
A highly regarded author known for her insightful novels exploring contemporary African American life, her engagement with the campus community offered literary inspiration and fostered discussions on critical social issues.
Bebe Moore Campbell: Read More »
A celebrated poet, writer, commentator, and activist, her powerful voice and insightful perspectives on race, gender, and society resonated deeply with the Hampton community, fostering critical thinking and artistic expression.