HBCU AWARE FEST To Raise Student Loan Debt Awareness

The first annual HBCU AWARE FEST will be held in Atlanta, GA, in March 2026, to raise awareness and funds to reduce student loan debt for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The event is a partnership between Live Nation Urban, Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) and the City of Atlanta. 

The event will include musical performances by Jill Scott, John Legend, Common, Jeezy, Earth, Wind & Fire, GloRilla, Metro Boomin, Kirk Franklin and more. The benefit concert will also promote advocacy around student loan debt and the importance of HBCUs, several of which are located in Atlanta.

How SFI Makes Higher Education More Affordable

In 2019, Smith made a historic philanthropic gift to eliminate the student loan debt of the entire Morehouse College graduating class, including debt incurred by their parents and guardians. After that, he decided to continue his work to make college more affordable for students with SFI.

SFI is a student-centered, evidence-based and holistic tax-exempt nonprofit that creates access to education without overwhelming student loan debt. The organization was founded in 2020 with a contribution of $50 million from Fund II Foundation and a $50 million match from Smith. SFI provides eligible students with access to academic, professional and financial support.

SFI’s Student Freedom Loan Agreement

To make higher education more affordable for eligible students at participating institutions, SFI introduced the Student Freedom Loan Agreement (SFLA). Financed by the Student Freedom Fund, this loan helps reduce excessive student loan debt. Loan payments do not begin until the student graduates, and the loan offers flexible terms to ensure that repayment is achievable. The funds that go toward paying back these loans will go directly to fund loans for future students through the “pay it forward” structure of the loan.

To be eligible for the SFLA, students must be enrolled at one of the SFI’s participating HBCUs, Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) or Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) with an eligible major.