Special program lineup places spotlight on historically Black colleges and universities including several in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Maryland Public Television (MPT) will celebrate historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in September during its fifth annual HBCU Week, a slate of programs sharing informative and inspiring stories about HBCUs and the people who attend, graduate, administrate, and advocate for these important institutions of higher learning. A preview is available at mpt.org/hbcu.
During the week of September 2-8, MPT will offer nearly 30 hours of content – including 13 MPT premieres – across TV, social media, and online platforms exploring the past, present, and future of HBCUs in the statewide public TV network’s viewing area and throughout the United States.
Among the highlights of this year’s lineup are two new episodes of the MPT original series Artworks; two HBCU-themed Local, USA documentaries; special Direct Connection and State Circle episodes; and eight programs acquired by MPT from independent producers that will premiere throughout the week.
Viewers can find more information about HBCU Week offerings at mpt.org/hbcu. The 2024 program schedule includes descriptions, previews, and streaming options for each title. Previews are also available in the HBCU Week 2024 YouTube playlist. Audiences are encouraged to contribute to the conversation on social media using the hashtag #HBCUWeekNOW.
HBCU Week is part of the statewide network’s “Standing Against Racism: Fostering Unity Through Dialogue” initiative. MPT began this long-term initiative in 2020 to stimulate thoughtful discussion and increase understanding of race-related issues in communities across Maryland. More information and resources are available at mpt.org/racism.
In Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress defined an HBCU as a school of higher learning that was accredited and established before 1964 and whose principal mission is the education of African Americans. The six HBCUs in MPT’s viewing area are Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Howard University, Morgan State University, University of the District of Columbia, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
In 2023, MPT announced the expansion of its long-standing HBCU Week from an endeavor reaching its footprint in the mid-Atlantic to a project that will grow to reach nearly all households across the country. MPT’s national HBCU Week expansion continues this fall with the addition of two new partner stations – bringing the total to six – each of which will produce short films to be distributed on the HBCU Week NOW YouTube channel and packaged into documentaries that will air on public TV’s WORLD channel. Further expansion will take place in 2025 with the PBS premiere of an MPT-produced documentary on the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall; the incorporation of additional content-producing partner stations; the development of an HBCU student film festival in partnership with Black Public Media; and more. Details about MPT’s 2024-2025 HBCU Week expansion activities will be announced in the coming weeks.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is the premiere sponsor for MPT’s 2024 HBCU Week. The initiative is also sponsored by STEM City USA, CIAA, HBCU GO, and Fulton Bank. The HBCU Week NOW YouTube channel is sponsored by Morgan State University.
HBCU Week 2024 premieres
(See the full program lineup HERE)
Direct Connection Special: Welcome from UMES – Monday, September 2, 7-8 p.m.
From the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, this special features interviews with students who share their HBCU experiences and provides a sneak peek inside the week’s program lineup.
The Historic HBCU Week Photograph – Monday, September 2, 8:30-9 p.m.
In 2021, HBCU alumni gathered for a momentous event on the steps of Morningside Park in Harlem. Inspired by the iconic 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem,” they came together for a historic photograph symbolizing unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of community.
History of a National Treasure: Morgan State University – Tuesday, September 3, 8-8:30 p.m.
The story of a Black university in Baltimore whose creation is rooted in the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act and born of the vision of five Black churchmen and former slaves who were determined to lift their race through education.
George H. White: Searching for Freedom – Tuesday, September 3, 9:30-10 p.m.
A documentary about the life and legacy of one of the most significant African American leaders of the Reconstruction Era. From humble beginnings in eastern North Carolina, George H. White, a graduate of Howard University, ascended to serve in the United States Congress as its sole Black voice little more than two decades after Emancipation.
Dr. Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius – Wednesday, September 4, 8-8:30 p.m.
Born on October 26, 1940, in New York City, Dr. Eddie Henderson is a renowned American jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player. He is known for his lyrical phrasing and inventive improvisations, blending traditional jazz with contemporary elements such as funk and soul.
Artworks: Imani-Grace Special – Wednesday, September 4, 8:30-9:30 p.m.
With a voice compared to Billie Holiday, Howard University graduate Imani-Grace Cooper has performed alongside jazz greats such as Esperanza Spalding and George Duke. In this Artworks special, Cooper performs Black American music classics that harken back to the jazz legends of the past, soul singers of the present, and a sound for the future.
Artworks: The Art of Strings – Wednesday, September 4, 9:30-10 p.m.
The Randolph String Quartet, a preeminent group of siblings – and Howard University alumni – who perform around the world, teaches viewers about the classic string ensemble format through classic and contemporary repertoire. This Artworks episode features performances by the quartet and offers a look at issues of diversity in classical music.
The Golden Year: Howard Women’s Basketball – Thursday, September 5, 8-8:30 p.m.
Since 1974, the Howard University women’s basketball program has been committed to excellence that extends beyond the court. Facing triumph and challenges, the team continues to raise the bar while embodying the spirit of resilience, determination, and pride.
Inside the CIAA: Impact – Thursday, September 5, 8:30-9 p.m.
Discover the impact that the CIAA Tournament – the nation’s largest and oldest HBCU postseason basketball tournament – has on the city of Baltimore, including its thriving Black business community.
Local, USA | HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition – Thursday, September 5, 9-9:30 p.m.
Experience the football culture of HBCUs, featuring the historic rivalry of Hampton and Howard since 1908 and the intense matchups of N.C. A&T vs. N.C. Central. This episode highlights the camaraderie and competition in HBCU sports and their impact on African American communities.
The Dream Whisperer – Thursday, September 5, 9:30-10:30 p.m.
In the midst of segregation, the all-Black Tennessee A&I Tigers became the first collegiate basketball team to win three consecutive national championships. Captain Dick Barnett fought to secure recognition for his team. Discover their triumph over adversity and Barnett’s relentless effort to preserve their legacy.
State Circle Special: Where Do We Go From Here? – Friday, September 6, 7-8 p.m.
Learn about groundbreaking new programs and initiatives at the six HBCUs located in the Maryland area from their visionary presidents and award-winning faculty and students.
Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience – Friday, September 6, 9-10 p.m.
Severely underrepresented in mathematics, African Americans have played important roles as researchers and educators in the field. This film traces the history of the individuals who worked as pioneers in expanding the presence of African Americans in mathematics.
About Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service member offering entertaining, educational, and inspiring content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices. A state agency, it operates under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. MPT creates and distributes local, regional, and national content and is a frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards. MPT’s commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through instructional events and Thinkport.org. MPT’s year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources on a wide range of topics. For more information visit mpt.org.
