This fall marks our sixth season promoting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) on Maryland Public Television through content both produced locally and acquired from producers elsewhere exclusively about the HBCU experience. HBCU Week offers films about the under-told stories of sacrifice, courage, innovation, and hope found in the archives of these important American institutions.
This year's HBCU Week features 32 hours of programming, including 11 premiere films across our TV, social media, and online platforms. It also expanded its themes beyond history and education to include films on HBCU contributions to the arts, music, and sports.
HBCU Week 2025 Program Schedule: September 8-14
Monday, September 8
7PM: Direct Connection Special: Welcome to HBCU Week from Coppin
8PM: One-On-One: Dr. Anthony Jenkins, Coppin State University
8:30PM: Local USA: Changemakers
9PM: The Historic HBCU Photograph
9:30PM: Hampton University: One of the Wonders of the World
10:30PM: Local USA: Innovation
Tuesday, September 9
7PM: One-on-One: Dr. Heidi Anderson, UMES
7:30PM: Inside the CIAA: Impact
9PM: Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect
10PM: Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect
Wednesday, September 10
7PM: One-on-One: Dr. David Wilson, Morgan State University
8PM: Artworks: The Art of HBCU Art
8:30PM: Artworks: Imani-Grace Special
9:30PM: Artworks: The Art of Strings
10PM: The Morgan Choir: A Joyful Celebration
Thursday, September 11
7PM: One-on-One: Dr. Aminta Breaux, Bowie State University
7:30PM: Local USA: Beyond the Field
8PM: The Golden Year: Howard Women's Basketball
8:30PM: Inside the CIAA: Her Story
9PM: The Dream Whisperer
10PM: Local USA HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition
10:30PM: Black College Football Hall of Fame: Journey to Canton
11PM: The Morgan Lacrosse Story
Friday, September 12
7PM: State Circle Special: A Look at HBCUs in DC
9:30PM: The Calvin Tyler Story
10:30PM: History of a National Treasure: Morgan State University
Saturday, September 13
7PM: George White: Searching for Freedom
7:30PM: Dr. Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius
8PM: Opportunity, Access & Uplift: The Evolving Legacy of HBCUS
8:30PM: Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience
9:30PM: Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect
10:30PM: Shaw Rising
Sunday, September 14
3PM: State Circle Special: A Look at HBCUs in DC
4PM: One-On-One: Dr. Anthony Jenkins, Coppin State University
4:30PM: One-On-One: Dr. David Wilson, Morgan State University
5PM: One-on-One: Dr. Aminta Breaux, Bowie State University
5:30PM: One-on-One: Dr. Heidi Anderson, UMES
6PM: Artworks: The Art of HBCU Art
6:30PM: Inside the CIAA: #Her Story
7PM: Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect
11PM: Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect
8PM: One-On-One: Dr. Anthony Jenkins, Coppin State University
MPT’s Jeff Salkin, news anchor, visits Coppin State University for an in-depth interview with President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. The episode also features reports about how Coppin State students are learning to procure, protect, and analyze patient health records and introduces viewers to the university’s youngest student, 14-year-old rising sophomore West Muhummad.
8:30PM: Local, USA | HBCU Week: Changemakers
HBCU Week: Changemakers illustrates the power and success of peaceful protests led by students. Witness how Morehouse College's youth leaders exemplify social grace during demonstrations against social injustices in the U.S., and at Morgan State University, the untold story of how this HBCU became one of America's fastest growing universities following the largest student-led protest in Maryland.
9PM: The Historic HBCU Photograph
In 2021, alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), 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.
10:30PM: Local, USA | HBCU Week: Innovation
How are Black students paving new paths for their communities and taking control of their futures? The “innovation” of HBCUs is explored, from breaking barriers with Howard University’s swim team to Claflin University’s biotech success.
7PM: One-on-One: Dr. Heidi Anderson, UMES
Jeff Salkin visits the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) for an in-depth interview with President Heidi M. Anderson, Ph.D. Viewers also observe a unique program in the university’s Fine Arts department that’s drawing students from across the state and beyond and witness a UMES art exhibit featuring important works on loan from the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia.
9PM: Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect (Encore at 10pm)
This landmark documentary explores the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, from his trailblazing legal battles to his historic role as the first Black Supreme Court justice. Featuring rare archival materials and interviews with leading HBCU voices, the film reveals how Marshall helped America confront its deepest contradictions – and how his vision for justice continues to shape the country today.
7PM: One-On-One: Dr. David Wilson, Morgan State University
Jeff Salkin visits Morgan State University for an in-depth interview with President David K. Wilson, Ed.D. Next, viewers learn about a new one-year master’s degree program designed to help teachers meet state certification requirements and provide an alternative career path for displaced federal workers. Then, audiences meet Donal Ware, a Morgan State alumnus and national sportscaster.
8:30PM: Artworks: Imani-Grace Special
A voice that's been compared to Billie Holiday, Howard University graduate Imani-Grace Cooper has shared the stage with jazz greats such as Esperanza Spalding and George Duke. Cooper performs two sets of 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.
9:30PM: Artworks: The Art of Strings
The Randolph String Quartet, a preeminent group of siblings who perform across the world (Howard University Alums), teaches us about the classic string ensemble format through classic and contemporary repertoire. This episode features performances by the quartet.
10PM: The Morgan Choir: A Joyful Celebration
This film captures one of the nation's most prestigious university choral ensembles, the Morgan Choir, and is a fitting salute to the late Dr. Nathan Carter, who led the choir for 34 years. Taped at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, this performance features a repertoire that ranges from classical to gospel. This presentation will include interviews with experts, supporters, and members of HBCU choirs.
7PM: One-on-One: Dr. Aminta Breaux, Bowie State University
Jeff Salkin visits Bowie State University for an in-depth interview with President Aminta H. Breaux, Ph.D. The episode also features reporting on how students are blending the technical precision of computer science with the creative expression of visual arts through Bowie State’s virtual reality and gaming bachelor’s degree program.
7:30PM: Local USA | HBCU Week: Beyond the Field
Explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a look at the CIAA BAsketball Tournament in Maryland and the Bayou Classic in Louisiana. The episode showcases the vibrant culture, history, and community spirit of HBCUs.
8PM: The Golden Year: Howard Women's Basketball
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 -- embodying the spirit of resilience, determination and pride.
9PM: The Dream Whisperer
In the midst of segregation, the all-black Tennessee A&I Tigers are the first collegiate basketball team to win three consecutive national championships; Hall of Famer Dick Barnett embarks on a nine-year quest to ensure his team's immortality.
10PM: Local USA: Tradition and Competition
Experience the football culture of HBCUs, featuring the historic rivalry of Hampton and Howard since 1908 and the intense matchups of NC A&T vs. NC Central. This episode highlights the unique camaraderie and competition in HBCU sports and their impact on African American communities.
10:30PM: Black College Football Hall of Fame: Journey to Canton
History and legacy of football at HBCUs and their connection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
11PM: The Morgan Lacrosse Story
Set against the racially turbulent 1970s, The Morgan Lacrosse Story chronicles the accomplishments of the Morgan Bears, the nation's first and only college lacrosse team at an historically Black institution. The film chronicles the accomplishments of an extraordinary group of young Black men and their intrepid leader who took the field in a predominantly white sport.
9:30PM: The Calvin Tyler Story
The remarkable story of Baltimore native and former Morgan State University student Calvin Tyler, who rose from being a UPS delivery truck driver to become one of its highest-ranking executives and largest shareholder, and whose $20 million gift to Morgan was the largest gift ever made to an HBCU by a former student.
10:30PM: History of a National Treasure: Morgan State University
The story of a Black university 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 uplift their race through education.
7PM: George H. White: Searching for Freedom
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 in politics to serve in the United States Congress as its sole Black voice little more than two decades after Emancipation.
7:30PM: Dr. Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius
Dr. Eddie Henderson is a renowned American jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player. He was born on October 26, 1940, in New York City. His father was a singer with the Charioteers, and his mother was a dancer at the Cotton Club. Henderson's playing is characterized by his lyrical phrasing, inventive improvisations, and use of space and silence in his solos and his ability to blend traditional jazz styles with more contemporary elements, such as funk and soul.
8PM: Opportunity, Access & Uplift: The Evolving Legacy of HBCUs
This half-hour documentary focuses on the changes, misconceptions, and current state of HBCUs through the personal stories of students and insights from experts. Hosted by HBCU graduate Brandis Griffith- Friedman, the program follows five students from two HBCUs located on opposite sides of the country to explore the rich history and current issues facing HBCUs nationwide.
8:30PM: Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience
Severely underrepresented in mathematics, African Americans have played important roles as researchers and educators in the field. This documentary traces the history of the individuals who worked as pioneers in expanding the presence of African Americans in mathematics.
10:30PM: Shaw Rising
The inspiring story of Shaw University, the oldest historically Black college and university in the South. The film documents Shaw's story from its founding in 1865, its growth during reconstruction, and the challenges of the Jim Crow system and the modern civil rights movement to its resurrection under the leadership of the late former Morgan State University Dean Dr. Talbert 0. Shaw.
3PM: ENCORE State Circle Special: A Look at HBCUs in DC
With interviews and reporting from the Washington, D.C., campuses of Howard University and University of the District of Columbia, this one-hour special edition of State Circle explores the rich history of HBCUs in the nation’s capital.
4PM: ENCORE One-On-One: Dr. Anthony Jenkins, Coppin State University
MPT’s Jeff Salkin, news anchor, visits Coppin State University for an in-depth interview with President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. The episode also features reports about how Coppin State students are learning to procure, protect, and analyze patient health records and introduces viewers to the university’s youngest student, 14-year-old rising sophomore West Muhummad.
4:30PM: ENCORE One-On-One: Dr. David Wilson, Morgan State University
Jeff Salkin visits Morgan State University for an in-depth interview with President David K. Wilson, Ed.D. Next, viewers learn about a new one-year master’s degree program designed to help teachers meet state certification requirements and provide an alternative career path for displaced federal workers. Then, audiences meet Donal Ware, a Morgan State alumnus and national sportscaster.
5PM: ENCORE One-on-One: Dr. Aminta Breaux, Bowie State University
Jeff Salkin visits Bowie State University for an in-depth interview with President Aminta H. Breaux, Ph.D. The episode also features reporting on how students are blending the technical precision of computer science with the creative expression of visual arts through Bowie State’s virtual reality and gaming bachelor’s degree program.
5:30PM: ENCORE One-on-One: Dr. Heidi Anderson, UMES
Jeff Salkin visits the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) for an in-depth interview with President Heidi M. Anderson, Ph.D. Viewers also observe a unique program in the university’s Fine Arts department that’s drawing students from across the state and beyond and witness a UMES art exhibit featuring important works on loan from the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia.
6PM: ENCORE Artworks: The Art of HBCU Art
A look at the talents, institutions, and creativity held at HBCUs throughout the region. From the world of Jasmine Barnes and Reginald F. Lewis to the inner workings of Howard University’s dance company, Complexions, Artworks: The Art of HBCU Art reflects on the creative impact of HBCU art.
6:30PM: ENCORE Inside the CIAA: Her Story
This episode celebrates 50 years of women athletes shaping the long-standing legacy of the CIAA Tournament.
7PM and 11PM: ENCORE Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect
This landmark documentary explores the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, from his trailblazing legal battles to his historic role as the first Black Supreme Court justice. Featuring rare archival materials and interviews with leading HBCU voices, the film reveals how Marshall helped America confront its deepest contradictions – and how his vision for justice continues to shape the country today.