Five films produced by the multiplatform provider of original HBCU-themed content earn national and regional EMMY Nominations.
OWINGS MILLS, MD, May 20, 2026 — HBCU Week NOW has received a series of Emmy Award nominations for a slate of original HBCU-themed content. HBCU Week NOW’s anchor film, Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect, produced by Maryland Public Television (MPT) was nominated for a News and Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Historical Documentary. National Emmy winners will be announced May 27-28 during the 47th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect Film Premiere
Becoming Thurgood premiered on PBS stations nationwide in September and traces Marshall’s journey from his birth in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1908 to his formative years at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Lincoln University and Howard University School of Law to his groundbreaking career as a lawyer championing civil rights and dismantling segregation.
"The story of Thurgood Marshall cannot be fully told without recognizing the profound role HBCUs played in shaping his worldview and preparing him to challenge injustice at the highest levels.“
Becoming Thurgood's Film Producers
Becoming Thurgood was executive produced by Stanley Nelson, the Emmy Award-winning filmmaker behind Tell Them We Are Rising, and MPT national PBS films Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom and Becoming Frederick Douglass. Three HBCU graduates worked on the film with Nelson - Mitchell, a Morgan State University alum, served as co-executive producer; Alexis Aggrey, the film’s director and producer, graduated from Norfolk State University, and Troy Mosley, a Southern University graduate, is the film’s supervising producer.
HBCU Week NOW 2026 Emmy Nominations
In addition to the national recognition for Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect, four HBCU Week NOW films received nominations for the 68th Capital Emmy Awards from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Welcome to HBCU Week from Coppin highlights Coppin State University’s ongoing commitment to educational access and community engagement in West Baltimore and beyond. Watch
The Art of Dance: Complexions features Howard University's Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts collaboration with Complexions Dance Company to train the next generation of Black dancers. Watch
6 Days of Determination: Story of the 1990 Morgan State Student Protest: is 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. Watch
Inside the CIAA: Her Story celebrates 50 years of women shaping the long-standing legacy of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament – honoring the pioneers, powerhouses, and history-makers whose influence continues to define the conference and elevate HBCU athletics nationwide. Watch
The 68th Capital Emmy Awards Gala
Winners of the 68th Capital Emmy Awards will be announced during the organization’s awards gala on June 20. Hosted @ Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center by the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of NATAS.
Click here to download Becoming Thurgood's Official Film Poster
Key Facts
- HBCU Week NOW productions received Emmy Awards recognition.
- HBCU Week NOW is a public media initiative highlighting stories from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- The project showcases documentary films focused on education, culture, innovation, civil rights, sports, and history.
- Maryland Public Television is a leading production partner behind HBCU Week NOW.
- Emmy recognition highlights the growing influence of HBCU-centered storytelling in American media.
About HBCU Week NOW
HBCU Week NOW is a public media partnership that offers content about the history, legacy, cultural heritage, and degree programs offered by America’s HBCUs. A collection of original long-form and short films, live events, and other HBCU-themed programming is now available on the HBCU Week NOW YouTube Channel and its companion Instagram page and website (hbcuweeknow.com). To date the platforms have exceeded 10M impressions, and 50,000 subscribers, produced over 30 original short films and 250+ pieces of original digital content. More than 300 PBS stations nationwide have aired HBCU Week NOW content over 7,500 times since 2024. HBCU Week NOW also produces a student film festival that awarded ten student filmmakers from HBCUs with $5,000 each for their winning short films in 2025.
About Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide public media network and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) member station serving Maryland and surrounding regions. Headquartered in Owings Mills, Maryland, MPT creates and distributes educational, cultural, public affairs, and community-based programming across broadcast television, streaming platforms, and digital media. A frequent recipient of regional and national Emmy® Awards, MPT is committed to enriching lives through storytelling, education, and community engagement. The network also supports educators, parents, caregivers, and learners through initiatives including Thinkport.org and statewide outreach programming.
