HBCUs Rallying Around Pioneering Shaw University For ‘The December 1st Triumph Project’

RALEIGH, N.C. — Shaw University is entering its 158th anniversary year and will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the iconic Estey Hall on December 1, 2023, with The December 1st Triumph Project, a series of signature events from November 26th to December 3rd. Capturing the exuberance of this special occasion, Shaw University emerges as a vibrant testament of resilience and excellence as the first HBCU in North Carolina and Estey Hall, the first building erected dedicated to higher learning for Black women in the United States. 

The December 1st Triumph Project is a nod to the day Shaw University was founded in 1865, the same year Congress abolished slavery in the United States. The ripple effect would include Shaw University graduates both helping establish and serving as the first presidents of several historically Black colleges and universities. Part of the legacy of Shaw University is its footprint as an HBCU through-line.

HBCU presidents, chancellors, and alumni representing North Carolina and across the country will be recognized at The HBCU Triumph Gala, a black-tie (optional) event to be held on December 1st at the Crabtree Marriott Hotel (4500 Marriott Crabtree, Raleigh, NC). The Gala will commence at 6:00 pm with a VIP reception, dinner, and program at 7 p.m., including live musical performances, HBCU Honors, and the first-of-its-kind HBCU Triumph Gala Lifetime Achievement Awards. Presenters include former U.S. Congressmen G.K. Butterfield, David Price, and Bob Etheridge. For more information and tickets, please visit www.triumphproject.shawu.edu/tickets/the-hbcu-triumph-gala/

Shaw University’s 18th President, Dr. Paulette Dillard, explains that this national inaugural project embodies the essence of triumph and serves as a powerful reflection of Shaw University and the legacy of all HBCUs nationwide.

The systemic underfunding of land-grant HBCUs has leaders working to prove the relevance of their campus offerings as high school graduates question the value of another four years of school. Leaders at private HBCUs like Shaw University, which do not receive financial support from the state, are working just as hard or harder. Yet a shared mission is bringing together a cross-section of leaders and alums to rally around an HBCU pillar — Shaw University.

The December 1st Triumph Project series will include Shaw University Then and Now! – Estey Hall Open House on November 26th, a free event allowing the public to tour historic Estey Hall and learn more about the complete renovation and history within the walls. The afternoon’s highlight will be the unveiling of two special commissioned visual art pieces of Estey Hall by Washington, D.C. visual artist Roger James. A sampling of James’ work will be on exhibit, along with works by N.C. Folk artist Nellie Ashford, an alumnus of Shaw University.

On November 30th, the Inaugural James Forbes, Sr. Lecture will take place in the North Carolina Museum of History auditorium. The inaugural lecture will feature nationally recognized panelists and will be moderated by Dr. James Forbes, Jr. A reception preceding the lecture will be held in the lobby. Registration is required.

For a full list of The December 1st Triumph Project events, please visit https://triumphproject.shawu.edu/events/

Participating as a sponsor will honor HBCU graduates, employees, and customers while reaffirming your commitment to the inherent values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to capture the essence of courage and empowerment during this national celebration. Email your direct inquiries about sponsorships to triumphproject@shawu.edu.