Bennett College Celebrates Johanna Clarke for Earning a Top HBCU Vocalist Spot

Greensboro, N.C. — Bennett College is celebrating a remarkable moment of both individual brilliance and collective pride. Sophomore biology major and aspiring veterinarian Johanna Clarke has been named one of the Top 3 finalists in the National HBCU Rising Star Singing Competition, presented by Google as part of the upcoming 2025 HBCU Honors on BET.

Picture of Bennett College Student, Johanna Clarke (Photo Credit: Bennett College)

Selected from an extraordinary field of vocalists across the country, Clarke rose to the top through a blend of artistry, vocal strength, stage presence, and coachability that distinguished her among this year’s competitors. Her performance, both powerful and poised, reflects the depth of talent nurtured on Bennett’s campus and the legacy of excellence carried forward by its students.

This year’s HBCU Rising Star finalists include:

Johanna Clarke, Bennett College
David Henderson, Coppin State University
Ronald Johnson, Morgan State University

Clarke will now advance to the live performance round in Washington, D.C., where the finalists will compete before an audience and a panel of industry judges. The winner will earn the opportunity to perform on the national stage during HBCU Honors 2025 on BET.

For Bennett College, Clarke’s achievement is more than an artistic milestone. It is a vivid reminder of the transformative power of an environment where students are supported, encouraged, and seen. Here, scholars are cultivated, creativity is honored, and young women lead with confidence and clarity. Clarke’s ascent reflects the ethos of a campus where brilliance is not the exception. It is the expectation.

As Clarke prepares to take this next step, the Bennett community stands with her, cheering, uplifting, and sending every measure of Bennett love her way.