HBCU Week NOW
Films & TV Shows
Original Films
Maryland Public Television (MPT) announced the continued expansion of its national HBCU Week programming initiative, including a new slate of 24 short films for the project’s signature YouTube channel, HBCU Week NOW.

6 Days of Determination: Travis Mitchell chosen as Morgan State Student Leader
6 Days of Determination: Travis Mitchell chosen as Morgan State Student Leader. This clip features the student organizers in the early days explaining why they chose Travis Mitchell to be their leader.

6 Days of Determination: Story of the 1990 Morgan State Student Protest
The untold story of the impact of the largest student protest in the state of Maryland's history and how it led to $1.5 billion in campus construction and renovation at Morgan State University. The student-led protest helped usher in unprecedented growth of the Baltimore-based HBCU, now a national treasure and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation.

Bayou Magic: Jazz icon Branford Marsalis gives a humorous take on one of Alvin Baptiste's teaching techniques
Jazz icon Branford Marsalis reflects on a funny teaching technique of Alvin Batiste, whose influence helped shape generations of musicians through Southern University's renowned jazz program.

Bayou Magic: The Alvin Batiste Jazz Institute
A legacy of sound, culture, and education—this piece highlights the impact of Southern University’s Jazz Ensemble and the lasting influence of jazz legend Alvin Batiste.

Gabby Samone's viral performance of the National Anthem @ the CIAA
Watch Gabby Samones viral performance of the National Anthem @ the CIAA

Wall of Sound HBCU Week NOW PREMIERE
“Wall of Sound” captures the electrifying and intense journey of the nationally recognized Purple Marching Machine from Miles College—a HBCU in Fairfield, Alabama—as the band prepares for the 2025-2026 season.

Inside the CIAA: Her Story
This episode celebrates 50 years of women shaping the long-standing legacy of The CIAA Tournament.

Inside the CIAA: The Baltimore Experience
A sneak peek inside the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference.

Allergic to Failure: The Robert Covington Story
The odds-defying journey of basketball star Robert Covington, from HBCU student to the NBA. Streaming nationally on MPT.org

STILL HERE | HBCU Week NOW Premiere
Still Here traces the career and journey of renowned comics artist Sanford Green and the students he teaches at Benedict College who are on their way to becoming the next generation of creative voices.

Unity and Hope: The Pride of the HBCU | HBCU Week NOW Premiere
Today, 105 HBCUs exist across the U.S.—none in Rochester, New York. So why host an HBCU Classic there? Because sometimes intention needs a spark of inspiration.

The Art of Dance: "Complexions" HBCU Week NOW Premiere
The Art of Dance: Complexions' - Howard University's Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts, a leading program among HBCUs, has welcomed the 'Complexions Dance Company' to their campus to collaborate with students. next generation of black artists and dancers.

How Sweet the Sound International Gospel Competition 2025!
Experience the power, passion, and praise of How Sweet The Sound: International Gospel Competition 2025 — a dynamic celebration of gospel music featuring the nation’s most talented HBCU choirs. 🎶✨

Mecca's Stage | Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
Explore Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, where the Department of Theatre Arts continues a legacy of Black storytelling and representation. Hear from alumni and creators who’ve made their mark on stage and screen, and see how the department is shaping the next generation of performers in an evolving industry.

HBCU Week Alternative Spring Break Program Howard University
When colleges have Spring Break, students normally head home or jet off to warmer climates. At Howard University, the break from classes means an opportunity to give back. MPT's Charles Robinson looks at Howard University's Alternative Spring Break program.

HBCU Week Sequential Arts Program, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
A unique program at UMES in the University's Department of Fine Arts is drawing students from around the state and beyond. MPT's Sue Kopen has the story. Professor Elvin Hernandez, Harrell Tomlin, Jordan Gary.

Fashion Forward HBCU Week NOW Premiere
"Fashion Forward" explores how North Carolina’s HBCUs shape the future of fashion through culture, identity, and innovation. Featuring students, professors, and alumni from NCA&T and NCCU, the film highlights fashion as a language of heritage and aspiration, showcasing the vital role of Black designers in defining global style. Featuring fashion Designers, Dr. Devona L. Dixon, Tukii Tucker, Tyler Cozart, & Haleigh Aldridge.

Beyond the Movement HBCU Week NOW Premiere
Beyond the Movement explores how the Dance Performance and Choreography Department at Spelman College integrates technology into the curriculum, inspiring innovation among emerging dance and choreography professionals.

HBCU Week 2025: Welcome to HBCU Week from Coppin’
From the campus of Coppin State University in Baltimore, this one-hour special features conversations with Coppin State students and leaders, explores the institution’s academic programs, and provides a sneak peek into the 2025 HBCU Week program lineup. Host Bryant "Bemo" Brown.

Artworks: The Art of HBCU Art
The Art of HBCU Week. Art that takes a deeper look at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's effort to prepare its students to create, curate and preserve Black Art and its history in all of its forms.

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.

Morehouse: We Expect Nothing Less - The Benjamin E. Mays Story
Witness how Morehouse College students exemplify social grace in their powerful yet peaceful demonstrations in light of the social injustices that permeate society. This short film...

Beyond the Water - Howard University Swimming & Diving Team - HBCU Week NOW Premiere
Discover the history of the only HBCU with a Division One swim program. Howard University’s swim team is making history while utilizing its notoriety to encourage others in the Black community to learn how to swim competitively and for survival.

Accelerating Dreams: The Road to Motorsports Excellence (NASCAR Rajah Caruth @WSSU)
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is shaping the future of the motorsports industry, and senior Rajah Caruth is a testament to its transformative impact.
