One of the main fundraisers for the United Negro College Fund is the annual “Evening of Stars” telecast, which will be broadcast on Sunday at 10 p.m. on Black Entertainment Television (BET).
Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, who has starred in “Law & Order” and presently stars in NBC’s sitcom “Guys With Kids,” served as emcee for the 34th edition of UNCF “An Evening of Stars Educating Our Future,” which was taped last month and is being presented by Target.
The show focuses public attention on America’s need for more African-American college graduates and UNCF’s work getting students to and through college.
Livingstone College is among the 39 member institutions of the United Negro College Fund. Other North Carolina UNCF institutions are Bennett College for Women, in Greensboro, Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte, and Saint Augustine’s University and Shaw University, both in Raleigh.
UNCF supports the education of more than 60,000 students annually through scholarships and other programs by supporting its member institutions and by advocating for the importance of minority education and college readiness.
A recent study by UNCF’s Patterson Research Institute showed that UNCF’s member institutions out-perform many majority schools with respect to enrolling and graduating low-income students.
Deborah F. Johnson is director of UNCF for Livingstone College. She hopes people throughout Salisbury and Rowan County, the state and the United States will watch “An Evening of Stars” this weekend.
“As you enjoy the entertainment of ‘An Evening of Stars,’ remember that the students attending our UNCF colleges and universities are the stars of tomorrow,” Johnson said. “Although you can’t call in to make a donation during the telecast, you can always contact me at Livingstone College or UNCF officials directly to donate money and help the educational dreams of many young men and women become realities.”
This year’s telecast will feature some amazing performances and appearances by some of the hottest names in entertainment, including legendary R&B singer and 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan, Grammy-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, actor and singer Tyrese Gibson, Melanie Fiona, Eric Benet, Tracee Ellis Ross, Keenan Ivory Wayans and many more.