The Jennifer Hudson Show hosts a special episode on Tuesday, March 17 highlighting the legacy of HBCUs and the Student Freedom Initiative’s impactful work, including its inaugural Aware Fest concert.
Joining the special episode is award-winning producer and filmmaker, Will Packer, who reflects on his remarkable Hollywood journey—from attending Florida A&M University to producing blockbuster hits like Girls Trip and Straight Outta Compton and even teases the possibility of another Think Like a Man. He also opens up about why HBCU Aware Fest is so important for the next generation. He also shares what audiences can expect from his new romantic comedy, You, Me & Tuscany.
Then, JHud and Will surprise aspiring HBCU filmmaker student Mecca Patterson-Guridy from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. What begins as Mecca asking Will for advice about becoming a filmmaker quickly turns into a powerful and unforgettable moment—complete with tickets to his new film and an incredible opportunity to learn directly from him on-set.
Next, Jennifer welcomes RoMiya from Chicago, IL and a sophomore at Clark Atlanta University and her mom, Akiya. They share how she raised three daughters as a young single mother, working multiple jobs to keep their family afloat while making sure her daughters never went without. RoMiya talks about how attending an HBCU has given her a sense of belonging and purpose and reads a heartfelt letter thanking her mom. Then Jennifer surprises her with Aware Fest tickets and $15,000 from the Student Freedom Initiative to help support her education.
Plus, DRUMLine Live brings down the house, filling the Happy Place with the electrifying sound and spirit of HBCU marching band culture!
This week on The Jennifer Hudson Show, actor Tyriq Withers stops by to talk about his new film Reminders of Him, while Sterling K. Brown previews the latest season of Paradise. The star-studded lineup also features Grammy winners Kehlani and Lizzo, Grammy nominee Zara Larsson, and Laila Edwards, the first Black woman to win gold with Team USA’s national ice hockey team. The Jennifer Hudson Show airs weekdays—check your local listings or visit
www.jenniferhudsonshow.com. Instagram: @jenniferhudsonshow
Twitter: @JHudShow
Facebook: @JenniferHudsonShow
TikTok: @jenniferhudsonshow
Photo Credit: Chris Haston/Warner Bros.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Tuesday, March 17th 2026 at 5:02PM
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