By Tinashe Chingarande
Special to the AFRO
tchingarande@afro.com
Maryland Public Television (MPT) will highlight the achievements of historically Black colleges and universities through a week-long programming initiative. The first television segment will air on the evening of Sept. 5.
“HBCU Week” is a collection of over 22 hours of content —that is locally produced and also acquired from producers elsewhere— on informative and inspirational stories about HBCUs, their communities and the people who advocate for their recognition as reputable institutions of higher learning.
This marks the third year of the special event. Programs will air on statewide public television networks’ viewing areas and throughout the United States.
In past seasons, “HBCU Week” programming centered on education and history; however, this season will platform fresh narratives on HBCU contributions to the arts, music and sports.
The week’s programming will feature various documentaries, including a one-hour special on the story of Calvin Tyler, an alum of Morgan State University who climbed the ranks of the United Parcel Service (UPS) from truck driver to a high-ranking company executive and shareholder.
“Because of all the noise that is kind of in the atmosphere concerning race diversity and equity, it is vitally important that Americans see the value that HBCUs bring in developing future leaders,” said Travis Mitchell, senior vice president, and chief content officer at Maryland Public Television.
Throughout history, HBCUs have produced the foremost professionals across a multitude of fields. Research done by the United College Negro Fund shows that 25 percent of Black graduates who work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduate from HBCUs.
“HBCUs graduate the lion’s share of engineering and STEM students,” said Mitchell.
MPT’s programming aims to not only help feature the cutting-edge education HBCUs provide, but also show how they can contribute significantly to the global economic and political stage.
“Right now we have a strong foundation of historic achievements by HBCUs,” said Mitchell. “America needs HBCUs to be globally competitive.”
MPT’s HBCU Week will include a history of Delaware State University, a documentary on the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the legacy of Langston University. Black bands, sports teams and alumni will all be honored.
The week will culminate with coverage of the Towson v. Morgan State football game slated for 7 p.m.
To find a full schedule of programming for MPT’s HBCU Week, please visit https://www.mpt.org/hbcu/
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