WASHINGTON, D.C., October 18, 2010 – An impressive array of Hollywood actors and executives will head back to college this fall as the inaugural HOWARDWood event takes place on the campus of Howard University during the 86th Annual Homecoming Celebration. The festivities kick-off on Thursday, October 28 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm with the Red Carpet and Meet & Greet, followed by the main event, the HOWARDWood Panel and also include a VIP After-Party on Friday, October 29.



Moderated by Actress, Producer & Choreographer Asha Kamali May, the panel will open with greetings from Howard University President, Dr. Sidney A. Ribeau and NBC’s Debra Langford, Vice- President of Inclusion and Business Diversity. Confirmed alumni panelists, to date, include Tracie Thoms, Lance Gross, Jeff Friday, Matthew Middleton, Dallas Jackson, Khalilah Birdsong, Depelsha McGruder, Kim Coleman, Adia Z. May; Howard University Professor Emeritus, Vera J. Kats; and young star and future Howard student, Keke Palmer, with additional guests and participants still being confirmed. Special video appearances of alumni supporters who are unable to attend in person include Debbie Allen, Actress, Producer, Choreographer; Charles King, VP, William Morris Endeavor; and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

In line with the university’s legacy of strong alumni relationships, HOWARDWood seeks to connect students aspiring to careers in the entertainment industry with alumni who have successfully navigated that path on both sides of the camera. “Our goal is to link Howard University students with alumni working in a wide variety of positions in front and behind the camera. We want to connect the dots by sharing information and bringing opportunities to campus for students to use as launching pads to fruitful careers in Hollywood” say sisters and co-founders, Asha K. May and Adia Z. May. The event has received a great deal of support from the university and corporate sponsors alike for this goal. With major sponsors NBC Universal and DreamWorks coming aboard not only to support the event, but also to recruit students for potential employment opportunities.

Additional information can be found by visiting www.howardwood.org or www.howarddynasty.com. For inquiries related to sponsorship, interviews or media coverage, please contact Zhaundra C. Jones at (310) 766-0650 or via email at pr@joycefernel.com.


About HOWARDWood
Created by alumni and sisters Adia Z. May and Asha Kamali May, HOWARDwood is an official Howard Homecoming event & panel discussion. HOWARDwood will provide a link between current Howard University students & Howard University Alum who are blazing trails in Hollywood. The panel discussion will include Howard University graduates but also will include other trailblazers in the industry, in front and behind the camera.