The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival today announced the 2026 I Aspire 25, its annual list recognizing HBCU alumni whose achievements span entertainment, media, sports, business and culture, in front of and behind the camera.

Representing HBCUs of varying sizes and histories—from Shaw University, one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs, to Savannah State University, Howard University, Grambling State University and others—the class of 2026 recognizes Visionaries, Changemakers, Storytellers, Filmmakers and Entrepreneurs. Among this year’s Changemakers are Michael Strahan (Texas Southern University), Eva Marcille (Clark Atlanta University), journalist and media personality Morgyn Wood (Morgan State University), broadcast journalist Jamila Mustafa (Delaware State University), Benin Mtume (Howard University), and Chad Easterling (Hampton University), managing partner at Obsidianworks Creative.

“The I Aspire 25 illustrates the many arenas where HBCU alumni are making their mark in an ever-evolving media industry,” said Sheila Eldridge, founder of the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival. “They’re developing projects, championing talent and building businesses on a global stage. Their journeys give students a ‘first look’ at what success can look like—and the confidence to pursue a path of their own.”

Curated with input from HBCU students and the HBCU First LOOK Advisory Council, the I Aspire 25 reflects the range of careers across today’s entertainment industry. Storytellers span established industry voices and a new generation of talent, including award-winning screenwriter Nakia Stephens (Savannah State University); actor and comedian Tone Bell (Savannah State University); BMF writer and producer Randy Huggins (Grambling State University); actresses Kennedi Reece (Howard University), appearing in the reboot of A Different World, Colby Muhammad Nixon (Howard University), a series regular on CBS’s Beyond the Gates, and Taylor Polidore (Clark Atlanta University), star of Netflix’s Beauty in Black. Digital creators with over 1.2 million TikTok followers, Jade & Jadah (Howard University) and Phylicia Fant (Spelman College), Global Director Black Music and Culture, Amazon Music, also shine in this group.

The Filmmakers category recognizes global filmmaker/producer Autumn Bailey-Ford (Shaw University) the first person of color to serve as vice chair of the Producers Guild of America’s Atlanta chapter, Deanna Nowell (Clark Atlanta University), an NAACP Image Award-winning editor whose credits include Marvel Studios’ Ironheart, Visionaries include Alexis Powell (Howard University), creator of The Jennifer Hudson Show’s Spirit Tunnel; media mogul brothers Victor Burke (Albany State University) and Vanzil Burke (Florida A&M University) of Burke Entertainment Partners; Emmy-winning costume designer Jeresa Featherstone (Hampton University); NPR’s Tiny Desk producer Bobby Carter (Jackson State) and creative executive Chelsea Maloney (Florida A&M University).

Rounding out the I Aspire 25 are Entrepreneurs Agnes Moss (North Carolina Central University), founder and president of the National Black Movie Association; BLEX Media founder Sharifa Daniels (Howard University); FlixMate co-founder Dr. Donnisha Davis (Florida A&M University); and kweliTV founder and CEO DeShuna Spencer (Jackson State University).

The 2026 I Aspire 25 honorees will be recognized at an awards luncheon on Saturday, November 7, during the 4th Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival, returning to Howard University November 5–7 at the Armour J. Blackburn University Center in Washington, D.C.

Themed “How to Be the Next,” this year’s Festival will bring HBCU students together with established and emerging voices across film, television and digital media for three days of screenings, master classes, Clips + Conversations and other immersive experiences.

For Festival registration, programming updates, sponsorship, and the complete 2026 I Aspire 25, visit HBCUFirstLook.com.