FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 7/24/2025 — PBS North Carolina’s series Black Issues Forum will kick off its landmark 40th season on Friday, August 1, at 7 PM. North Carolina’s leading platform for conversations by, about and for African American communities, Black Issues Forum is the longest-running PBS NC original series currently in production. New episodes premiere Fridays at 7 PM on PBS NC. They are also available online, on the free PBS app and on YouTube.
“As we enter our 40th season, Black Issues Forum continues to be a space where community meets conversation,” said Kenia Thompson, the show’s host and producer. “This season, we’re diving into topics that explore education, Black families, healthy female friendships and more. We’re also taking our cameras into communities—from classrooms to festivals—to hear voices that don’t always make the headlines.”
On the season premiere on August 1, past hosts of Black Issues Forum will join Thompson for a conversation on how the show has evolved since its launch in 1987. Other topics this season include a new PBS documentary about trailblazer Thurgood Marshall, the impact of efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives and spotlights on unique local businesses. In celebration of HBCU Week in September, Black Issues Forum will present a short film about two North Carolina HBCUs and their role in the fashion industry.
“Since 1987, the show has evolved from studio-centered discussions to a more expansive, on-the-ground experience that reflects the pulse of our people,” added Thompson. “What hasn’t changed is our mission: to elevate issues that matter deeply to Black communities and give voice to perspectives often left out of mainstream media.”
Executive Producer Deborah Holt Noel served as Black Issues Forum’s producer beginning in 1999 and continued as both host and producer from 2012 to 2022. She’s also the host and contributing producer of the popular weekly travel series NC Weekend.
“Every new season brings a fresh opportunity to find and share the stories, perspectives and lived experiences of Black North Carolinians across the state,” said Deborah Holt Noel. “It’s exciting to develop this content with input from viewers, partners, community leaders and a trusted team of creatives. To see 40 seasons is indeed cause for celebration.”
For HBCU Week in September, Black Issues Forum has again partnered with Maryland Public Television (MPT) to shine a light on the contributions and significance of HBCUs. This year, Black Issues Forum will premiere a short film featuring dynamic students and professors who have emerged from fashion programs at NC A&T and NC Central University. It will also explore how HBCU culture is not only producing industry trailblazers and artists but molding and defining fashion today. The film will air on PBS NC as part of Black Issues Forum this fall; it will also be available as part of a collection of short films at youtube.com/@HBCUWeekNow.
“My greatest hope is that this show has empowered people to think more critically, to feel more connected and to see themselves reflected with depth and dignity,” continued Thompson. “Forty seasons in, and we’re still telling the stories that help us understand who we are—and where we’re going.”
Catch up on recent episodes of Black Issues Forum by visiting pbsnc.org/BlackIssuesForum.
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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