WXXI TV

Focusing on the changes, misconceptions, and current state of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), this half-hour documentary offers insight through the personal stories of students and insights from experts.

Opportunity, Access & Uplift: The Evolving Legacy of HBCUs airs Thursday, September 11 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Hosted by HBCU graduate Brandis Griffith-Friedman, the program follows five students from two HBCUs located on opposite sides of the country — as well as a family of a high school senior in Chicago who is debating his future — through their day, sharing their experiences and stories. It also explores the changing face of enrollment and funding at HBCUs with contributions from experts Dr. Michael Lomax, CEO of UNCF, and Felecia Commodore, associate professor of higher education at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Opportunity, Access & Uplift: The Evolving Legacy of HBCUs repeats Tuesday, September 10 at 4:30 a.m. on WXXI-TV and Sunday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m. on WXXI-WORLD

Photo: Opportunity, Access & Uplift: The Evolving Legacy of HBCUs key art.
Credit: American Public Television.

The Historic HBCU Photograph captures the remarkable event of alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) gathered for a momentous photograph, and explores the important role the nation’s HBCUs have served in advancing social justice and equality for African Americans in the face of systemic racism.

The Historic HBCU Photograph airs Thursday, September 11 at 10:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Inspired by the iconic 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem,” alumni from the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) gathered for a momentous event on the steps of Morningside Park in Harlem to recreate a powerful moment symbolizing unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a community born out of the historic denial of education to African Americans in the United States. Through personal recollections and insights of the alumni participating in the event, this documentary commemorates this moment in history and celebrates the resilience and solidarity of the HBCU community.

The Historic HBCU Photograph repeats Friday, September 12 at 4:30 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD, and Sunday, September 14 at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, September 28 at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 30 at 2:30 a.m. on WXXI-TV.

Photo: HBCU alumni gathered together for a photo.
Credit: American Public Television.

Often used to refer to an NFL player who will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the term “Headed to Canton” has expanded to include collegiate football more than 50 years later.

Black College Football Hall of Fame: Journey to Canton airs Saturday, September 13 at 5:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

In 2019, the Black College Football Hall of Fame was officially welcomed to the campus of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, celebrating the historically Black college and university brand of football. This documentary tells the story of the formation of Black college football, the contributions that players from historically Black colleges and universities have made to the NFL, the founding of its Hall of Fame, and why the Hall is in the unexpected location of Canton.

Photo: The Black College Football Hall of Fame photographed.
Provided by NETA

This documentary charts the inception of the first Women’s Basketball team in 1974, the triumph and challenges they faced, and how it continues to raise the bar, embodying the spirit of resilience, determination and pride.

The Golden Year: Howard Women’s Basketball airs Saturday, September 13 at 5 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

In 1974 Howard University formed its first Women’s Basketball team, creating new opportunities for women in sports and building a winning program committed to excellence that extends beyond the court. 50 years later, players and coaches reflect on their legacy and the overall growth of women’s sports while highlighting the continued struggle for equity in athletics.

Photo: The Golden Year: Howard Women’s Basketball key art.
Provided by NETA

Explore the life and legacy of one of the most significant African American leaders of the Reconstruction Era, George H. White.

George H. White: Searching for Freedom airs Wednesday, September 10 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Born in 1852 in Eastern North Carolina to a family of turpentine farmers, White rose through the ranks of state politics to serve in the 55th US Congress from 1887 to 1901 as its sole Black voice. The documentary offers insight into White’s groundbreaking accomplishments as a politician and civil rights leader.

Photo: George H. White: Searching for Freedom key art.
Provided by NETA

Trailer:

Narrated by Phylicia Rashad, this documentary traces the 115-year history of one of the nation’s oldest African American women’s organizations, Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Alpha Kappa Alpha: A Legacy of Service airs Sunday, September 14 at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Since its founding at Howard University in 1908, the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha have empowered communities across the globe. Beginning with their Depression era Mississippi Health Project, Alpha Kappa Alpha has facilitated national and international service initiatives for those in need. With over 1,000 chapters and 300,000 members worldwide, this legacy of striving for the common good has not always been easy but collectively, the sisterhood endures as showcased in this documentary.

Photo: A group of Black women portraying the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha gathered in a room
Provided by NETA

Following the stories of prominent Black pioneers in mathematics, this documentary illustrates the challenges they faced and how their triumphs are reflected in the experiences of today’s mid-career Black mathematicians.

Journeys of Black Mathematicians airs Friday, September 12 at 4 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

This two-part series traces the cultural evolution of Black scholars, scientists and educators in the field of mathematics, and examines the role of HBCUs in producing Black mathematicians. The search for ways to bring future generations into the mathematical fold is a key theme of the series as every HBCU covered in the program shows students stressing the role of outstanding teachers who are responsible for advancing the math and science programs at the schools today.

Photo: A Black woman writing equations on a white board.
Credit: Provided by NETA

WXXI is pleased to be part of this family-friendly event that fosters community engagement, now celebrating its 30th anniversary.

This year’s festival is headlined by the legendary Jeffrey Osborne, with featured performances by Dave Hollister, Sunshine Anderson, Sky Whatley, Negus IRap, Erin and Ross, Garth Fagan Dance, and DJ Dana. To learn more about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit rocsummerfoulfest.com

If you’re attending to the Roc Summer Soul Music Fest on Saturday, August 9, be sure to stop by WXXI’s tent in the main concourse to learn more about upcoming programming on WXXI, check out our schedule on The Route (WRUR-FM 88.5), download our free PBS app, and enjoy a few giveaways.

WXXI is also proud to have produced a short video that will be presented at the festival to honor Garth Fagan, who will be receiving the Icon of the Millennium award.