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

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.

This is a sonnet to travel — an introspective love story, set in Europe and beyond.

Rick Steves Why We Travel airs Saturday, August 9 at 10:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

After a lifetime of exploring Europe — and inspiring Americans to see Europe as the springboard for world exploration — Rick Steves shares his reasons why. This special vividly celebrates the rewards of exploring our world and the joy that awaits those who travel.  It repeats Sunday, August 10 at 3:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV.