Con Funk Shun to Headline Langston University Scholarship Gala – The Black Wall Street Times
The Black Wall Street Times
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LANGSTON, Okla. — Langston University is turning up the volume on Black excellence. For its 20th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala, Oklahoma’s only historically Black college has secured an R&B-funk powerhouse: Con Funk Shun.
The celebration will take place on October 10th at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, transforming the space into a night of rhythm, soul, and purpose.
Langston University’s President’s Scholarship Gala stands as the crown jewel of the year for those who champion Dear Langston’s legacy. More than a glamorous night, it’s a mission-driven tradition—the largest scholarship fundraiser for Oklahoma’s only historically Black university.
Held every year on the Friday before Homecoming, the Gala rallies alumni, community leaders, and supporters to invest directly in student success. This year, the celebration continues, fueling scholarships that keep the doors of opportunity wide open for Langston’s next generation of leaders.
Every dollar raised keeps a student’s dream alive, and this year, Con Funk Shun will help make those dreams sing and dance.
Originally birthed in Vallejo, California, Con Funk Shun’s story spans over five decades of chart-topping hits, Gold albums, and cultural influence. Founded by Michael Cooper and once known as Project Soul, the group sharpened their sound backing legends like the Soul Children and Rufus Thomas before catching the ear of Mercury Records.
From the timeless “Ffun” to the groove-laden “Chase Me” and “Shake & Dance,” their music became a heartbeat for generations. While their classic “Love’s Train” never hit the charts in its time, Silk Sonic’s 2022 cover took it straight to the top—proof that their artistry is timeless.
Today, three original members—Michael Cooper, Felton Pilate, and Karl Fuller—keep the legacy alive alongside a new generation of gifted musicians.
The band’s achievements extend beyond music. Dr. Cooper, Dr. Pilate, and Dr. Ron Moton each hold honorary doctorate degrees and U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, honoring their artistry and humanitarian work.
Langston University’s President’s Scholarship Gala will be a night where history, music, and purpose converge. And when Con Funk Shun hits that stage, it won’t just be a concert—it’ll be a celebration of Black brilliance, past, present, and future.
For tickets and more information, visit langston.edu/gala.
Nehemiah D. Frank is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Black Wall Street Times and a descendant of two families that survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Although his publication’s store and newsroom… More by Nehemiah Frank
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