WORLD Celebrates HBCU Week with Stories from Howard, Morgan State and Beyond

By WORLD

Watch special episodes of Local, USA on WORLD in partnership with Maryland Public Television.
 

As institutions and organizations across the country recognize the historical and cultural significance of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), their students, educators and traditions during nationally-recognized HBCU Week programs, Maryland Public Television (MPT) takes it one step further.

WORLD is proud to present MPT's HBCU programming on LOCAL, USA, featuring under-told stories of the courage, innovation and hope found in the archives and present-day initiatives of these American institutions.

Watch films following the athletics, music, activism and legacies of HBCUs – including Howard University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T and more – and celebrating the opportunities and accomplishments of their communities.

Changemakers | Premiering February 2 on LOCAL, USA and the PBS app

Illustrating 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.

Innovation | Premiering February 10 on LOCAL, USA and the PBS app

Exploring how HBCU programs are changing and saving lives. Howard University is making history with the only Division One swim program at an HBCU while also teaching the Black community to swim. Claflin University's SmartHOME technology connects a person's physical state to actions to help mitigate health risks, hoping to combat healthcare disparities in minority communities.

Beyond the Field
Available now online, on YouTube & the PBS app

Journey inside the heart of HBCUs. Experience the CIAA in Maryland, a cornerstone of Black athletics history, and feel the electrifying atmosphere of Louisiana's Bayou Classic - an annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern University. The episode offers a unique look beyond sports, highlighting the culture, history, and community spirit that define HBCUs.

Tradition and Competition
Available now online, on YouTube & the PBS app

Dive into HBCU football culture: Witness the rivalry of Hampton & Howard, a testament to tradition and spirit, and appreciate the intensity of an NC A&T vs. NC Central game, a match steeped in proximity and pride. The episode showcases the blend of camaraderie and competition that defines HBCU sports, highlighting their impact on African American communities.


Watch more HBCU content on Maryland Public Media's HBCU Week NOW YouTube channel.

Discuss and engage with us on Facebook, InstagramTwitter and TikTok by using the hashtags #HBCUWeek and #HBCUWeekNow and tagging us @worldchannel. Subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube for more features including events and interviews.

Enjoy our content? Consider donating to keep important storytelling like this going, and find more on PBS Passport.

Related Content

Article
Black Excellence in Academics & Athletics: HBCU Week with Maryland Public Television’s Travis Mitchell

Over the last four years, Maryland Public Television (MPT) has dedicated a week of programming to celebrating HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). This month, WORLD premieres two episodes of Local, USA exploring these under-told stories. In an exclusive interview, MPT's Travis Mitchell shares why he wanted to spotlight the many ways in which HBCUs have contributed to American history and society.

Article
Back-to-School: What to Watch on WORLD

From school supply checklists to signing up for extracurriculars, returning to school – whether it's the first day of kindergarten or entering a graduate program – elicits both excitement and nerves every year. Watch films exploring the moments we can experience only in school, the influence that people we meet on this journey have on our personal development and success and how education can shape the people we become.

Collection
Black Stories

Black history is American history. As we renew our collective commitment to lifting up the stories of Black movement makers and culture creators who define our world. Celebrate Black History Month with stories of leaders, artists, and everyday individuals making waves.