By Ariyana Griffin
AFRO Staff Writer
agriffin@afro.com
Each year, Maryland Public Television (MPT) dedicates a week to uplifting the history, innovation and under-told stories of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with its HBCU Week segments. This year, the network will feature programming Sept. 2-8.
Since 2020, MPT has broadcast a week-long series of HBCU news and history of the present, past, and future as part of its “Standing Against Racism: Fostering Unity Through Dialogue” initiative. The initiative’s goal is to “stimulate thoughtful discussion and increase understanding of race-related issues in communities across Maryland,” MPT said in a statement.
This year will mark their fifth annual season of special programming with content produced locally and by individual producers.
This year’s programming will include 30 hours of HBCU based content and 12 premiere films that will debut across MPT TV, social media, and online platforms.
Some stories broadcasted throughout the week include “Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience,” “The Golden Year: Howard Women’s Basketball,” “The Morgan Lacrosse Story,” and many more inspiring stories regarding HBCUs across the nation on arts, music, history and sports.
Take a look below at some of the events taking place this week:
History of a National Treasure: Morgan State University – Tuesday, September 3, 8-8:30 p.m.
Learn the story of Morgan State University in Baltimore, whose creation is rooted in the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act and born of the vision of five churchmen and former slaves, determined to lift their race through education.
George H. White: Searching for Freedom – Tuesday, September 3, 9:30-10 p.m.
View this documentary to learn 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. Learn about this musician and his legacy during MPT’s HBCU Week on Sept. 4.
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. Learn about this golden year on Sept. 5 at 8 p.m.
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.
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