Nearly 1,000 people filled the Charlotte Convention Center over the weekend in support of helping minority students get into and through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It was the 21st Annual Maya Angelou UNCF Women Who Lead Luncheon.
It's the annual fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund in Charlotte. To date, the fund has awarded 705 students scholarships to attend an HBCU. A total of $3.3 million has been awarded to students.
As part of the event, UNCF also recognizes local women in the corporate sector and community who have invested significant time or money into creating better futures for young people in North Carolina and around the country. The honorees included Tina Bonner-Henry, Philanthropic & Community Service Advocate; Janice Dupre, EVP, Human Resources Lowe's Companies, Inc.; Sonja Nichols, President & Owner Southern Lion; Ebony A. Thomas, President Bank of America Foundation.
A popular feature of the luncheon is the highly-anticipated "Hat-ti-tude Competition." Women come donned in their best hat or fascinator to earn bragging rights as "Baddest Hat", "Most Classic", or "Most Whimsical." Check out some of the head gear!
Check out a video for the full look at the event.
