This year, Genesis Motors America shone a spotlight on two of Atlanta’s esteemed institutions, Spelman College and Morehouse College, during their ‘Because We Met’ event.
Together, these schools, known as SpelHouse, carry more than a century of academic excellence and cultural leadership, embodying a spirit of connection that resonates deeply within the community.
The evening’s centerpiece was the love story of powerhouse vocalist Avery*Sunshine and her husband, guitarist and producer Dana Johnson, who found each other on these historic campuses.
The ‘Because We Met’ series, a collaboration between luxury automaker Genesis and Rolling Out magazine, has consistently placed HBCUs at the heart of its narrative.
The inaugural event celebrated Clark Atlanta University and focused on the power of community, while the following year highlighted the stories of influential alumni from Howard University.
With this year’s spotlight on Spelman and Morehouse, the series reinforces the continuing impact of HBCUs in crafting legacies of love, leadership, and aspiration.
In the world of luxury vehicles, Genesis has successfully transitioned from being an underdog to a standout in the industry.
Originally a nameplate under Hyundai, Genesis has established itself as a true contender in the luxury market.
Some may recall the Hyundai Genesis sedan— the ambitious flagship model that laid the groundwork for its transformation into a luxury brand.
Initially, there were doubts about whether its luxury arm could survive against established European and Japanese competitors, but those doubts have been proven wrong.
Genesis not only survived but has also thrived, appealing directly to North American consumers with a compelling blend of luxury, aesthetics, and technology, all while offering exceptional value compared to pricier British and German counterparts.
Its design language seamlessly marries elements of the past with a vision for the future, and both interior and exterior details rival more expensive luxury brands.
In many ways, Genesis’s evolution mirrors that of HBCUs: both have been underestimated at their inception, yet both have cultivated undeniable centers of excellence recognized nationwide.
The spirit of connection between Genesis and the legacy of HBCUs blossomed at this year’s event, hosted by Rolling Out founder Munson Steed and presented by Genesis Automotive.
The evening opened with a performance from the Spelman College Glee Club, featuring Morehouse alum and V103’s The Debonair DJ PNUT serving as the host.
The Glee Club’s stirring performance grounded the program, steeped in culture, artistry, and tradition, setting an uplifting stage for what was to follow.
Then came the long-anticipated moment with Avery*Sunshine and Dana Johnson, who took the stage to share the story of how their relationship blossomed at SpelHouse.
Though Avery hails from Chester, Pennsylvania, and Dana from Oakland, California, it was Atlanta’s rich HBCU culture that served as the backdrop for their love.
Their reflections on partnership mirrored the essence of Genesis: when seemingly disparate elements converge, they create something remarkable.
On stage, the couple likened their relationship to the experience of entering a well-crafted vehicle—easy, natural, and built for lasting comfort.
They reminisced about their early hustle, traveling along the East Coast after college, convincing record stores to stock their albums, and even performing in living rooms.
These formative experiences not only shaped their careers but also gave them unique insights into the essence of travel and comfort in vehicles, making their reflections particularly relevant at a Genesis-sponsored event.
Avery shared a heartfelt memory of the couple sharing meals at a local spot called Eats, where they would flip through stacked copies of Rolling Out magazines, dreaming of one day gracing the cover.
This dream came to fruition in a deeply emotional presentation toward the end of the evening when Munson Steed and Rolling Out surprised the couple with a framed cover featuring them—a spiritual and heartfelt acknowledgment of how love, faith, and persistence can transform dreams into reality.
The event’s spirit of community wasn’t just confined to the stage; the audience was filled with business leaders, artists, and cultural influencers, including actress Terri J. Vaughn and acclaimed chef and TV host Jernard Wells.
Wells shared his exciting news about opening a new restaurant in Metro Atlanta soon, signaling more community stories worth watching.
What stood out most was that the event truly embodied its theme: ‘Because We Met.’
Connections were forged, stories were exchanged, and new legacies began to unfold throughout the evening.
Genesis and Rolling Out served as both a platform and a cultural bridge, much like HBCUs have done for generations.
Kudos to Munson Steed and the Rolling Out team for curating a meaningful and memorable night.
By artfully intertwining luxury branding, authentic narratives of Black love, live performances from HBCUs, and the enduring heritage of Spelman and Morehouse, they elevated both Genesis and the community it seeks to serve.
Rolling Out met its audience in the cultural heart of the community, delivering an unforgettable experience.
As Avery*Sunshine and Dana Johnson expressed about one another, it’s clear we are all better—because they met.
image source from：audacy
