On Saturday, Houston Community College held its annual Black History Scholarship Gala at The Hotel Zaza.

The event was hosted by KHOU Anchor Mia Gradney and KPRC Meteorologist Khambrel Marshall.

More than 300 members of the community -including members of the HCC Board of Trustees, faculty and some students – attended the Gala.

Last year’s scholarship recipients were recognized along with HCC Black History Committee Class of 2015 Unstoppable Leaders. Members of the 2015 class were Dr. Michelle Lyn and Genora Boykins.

Also recognized at the Gala were Melanie Lawson and State Representative Sylvester Turner, who received the Joyce M. Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award.

Eight-year NFL player, author and sports broadcaster Spencer Tillman was the keynote speaker for the evening.

Tillman’s message was that one must lead by example in our actions, to teach consistency and to promote a positive mindset for the future of our next generation and nation.

For entertainment, the talented Media Cole enlightened the crowd with her smooth voice and snazzy scatting. Cole said that the event is on the short list of her most memorable performances because of what the event represented. Cole added that being selected to perform at the gala was a great honored to her.

HCC student and Men of Honor President, John Williams, stated, “As Men of Honor President, being here tonight means honoring the legacy that our past and present leaders have afforded us.”

Williams went on to say, “As a man it means that it is now my responsibility to plant and grow the seed in our youth. Not only must I invest but defend their future so that they can lead us for generations to come.”