Today, there are 107 HBCUs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, including 11 in North Carolina, enrolling over 300,000 students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and boasting an alumni network of over one million individuals.
PBS North Carolina is thrilled to join HBCU Week NOW, a public media partnership celebrating HBCUs and their enduring contributions. In partnership with Maryland Public Television (MPT), Louisiana Public Broadcasting and Howard University Television, we are excited to bring you inspiring programs and stories that honor the legacy, contributions and importance of HBCUs.
Explore the life and legacy of the nation's first African American Supreme Court justice. The film follows Justice Marshall, known as "Mr. Civil Rights," from his legal career with the NAACP to his 1967 appointment to the nation's highest court.
Watch Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect, streaming now on the PBS app.
Join us as we explore how the HBCU experience continues to influence the world of fashion, from the classroom to the catwalk. A special HBCU Week feature, “Fashion Forward,” highlights the arts and culture on HBCU campuses. Guests Torrance Hill, founder and owner of Noir Prism Studios, and image consultant Lamair Bryan join host Kenia Thompson for an exploration of the impact of Black fashion on culture.
Watch Black Issues Forum Friday, 9/12, 7 PM on PBS NC and the PBS app.
Celebrate HBCU Week with stories of innovation, tradition and community impact from North Carolina’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Host Kenia Thompson explores groundbreaking programs like NC Central’s extended studies and biology initiatives, WSSU’s NASCAR partnership, and ECSU’s one-of-a-kind aviation sciences degree, plus the spirited Aggie-Eagle Classic and the statewide influence of HBCU leaders.
Watch Black Issues Forum Fridays, 7 PM on PBS NC and streaming on the PBS app.
This HBCU Week special spotlights innovation in higher education.
HBCU Week offers films about the under-told stories of sacrifice, courage, innovation, and hope found in the archives of these important American institutions. Presented by Maryland Public Television.
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.
Watch HBCU Week's "The Historic HBCU Photograph", Wednesday, 9/10, 8 PM on the NC Channel and streaming now on the PBS app.
Discover the impact that the CIAA Tournament, the nation’s largest and oldest HBCU post-season basketball tournament, has on the city of Baltimore, including its thriving Black business community.
Watch HBCU Week's "Inside the CIAA: Impact," Wednesday, 9/10, 11:30 PM on the NC Channel and streaming now on the PBS app.
"HBCU Week: Beyond the Field" takes you 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.
Watch Local USA's "HBCU Week: Beyond the Field," Wednesday, 9/10, 10 PM on the NC Channel and streaming now on the PBS app.
"HBCU Week: Beyond the Field" takes you 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.
Watch Local USA's "HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition," Wednesday, 9/10, 10:30 PM on the NC Channel and streaming now on the PBS app.
Available on YouTube, HBCU Week NOW delivers an extensive library of on-demand programming, offering audiences immediate access to history and inspiring narratives that shape the HBCU experience.
Spearheaded by Maryland Public Television (MPT), HBCU Week NOW serves as a premier destination for in-depth coverage of the nation’s 103 HBCUs, showcasing the achievements, stories and contributions of students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Since 1837, more than 100 HBCUs have been founded in the United States – most in the half century following the Civil War. Learn more in the clip below.
Making Black America: Through the Grapevine is a four-part series hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., that chronicles the vast social networks and organizations created by and for Black people—beyond the reach of the “White gaze.” Professor Gates sits with noted scholars, politicians, cultural leaders, and old friends to discuss this world behind the color line and what it looks like today.
Watch Making Black America, streaming now on the PBS app.
Shaw University started in December 1865 with a Bible class for newly freed slaves in Raleigh, NC. Fighting vicious prejudice in the aftermath of the Civil War and the Jim Crow South, Shaw rose to become a co-educational college, a medical school, law school & divinity school.
Watch Shaw Rising, Wednesday, 9/10, 9 PM on the NC Channel and streaming now on the PBS app.
Since 1974, the women’s basketball program has been committed to excellence that extends beyond the court. Facing triumph and challenges, the women’s basketball team continues to raise the bar— embodying the spirit of resilience, determination and pride.
Watch The Golden Year: Howard Women’s Basketball, Wednesday, 9/10, 11 PM on the NC Channel and streaming now on the PBS app.
North Carolina is home to a noteworthy cluster of HBCUs. Learn more about these colleges and universities below.
Greensboro, NC
Bennett College thrives at the intersection of empowerment and education, specializing in nurturing future leaders. Renowned for its commitment to fostering leadership skills and promoting social justice among women, Bennett College offers a dynamic educational environment. With a rich history dating back to 1873, the college's strengths lie in equipping its students with knowledge, resilience, and values that empower them to address contemporary challenges and become impactful leaders in their communities and beyond.
Elizabeth City, NC
Students and faculty at ECSU are at the forefront of transformative advancements in aviation science, unmanned aircraft, and emergency management. With unique programs offering the only four-year aviation degrees in the state, ECSU is preparing the next generation of pilots, drone operators, and emergency responders to meet the needs of these critical industries.
Fayetteville, NC
FSU is dedicated to serving North Carolina's military community, with programs like the MBA@FayState offering flexible career advancement options. Through initiatives such as the Center for Defense and Homeland Security and collaborations in nursing, FSU prepares military leaders and veterans for meaningful service and post-service careers, contributing to the well-being of the military and local communities alike.
Charlotte, NC
JCSU stands as a pioneering institution, leading in key areas of education and innovation. With specialized programs and a commitment to excellence, JCSU is driving advancements in fields such as urban sustainability, social justice, and entrepreneurship. Through its unique curriculum and dedicated faculty, the university prepares students to become change-makers, addressing pressing challenges and shaping a brighter future in these vital domains.
Salisbury, NC
Livingstone College excels in areas such as social sciences, humanities, and leadership development. Renowned for its commitment to cultivating informed and empowered leaders, the college's main academic strengths lie in preparing students for impactful careers in fields like sociology, psychology, and criminology. Through rigorous programs and dedicated faculty, Livingstone College equips its graduates with the knowledge and skills to address pressing societal issues, promote social change, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Greensboro, NC
N.C. A&T is equipping the next generation for the workforce by offering cutting-edge academic programs in autonomous vehicles, cyber security, and artificial intelligence. Through interdisciplinary research involving students, faculty, and industry leaders, they are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for safer autonomous vehicles. Additionally, N.C. A&T is addressing the growing challenges in cyber security and ensuring that software engineering students are well-prepared to lead in an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly integral to decision-making across various sectors.
Durham, NC
With a 111-year legacy of excellence and a commitment to public service, NCCU prepares diverse individuals across North Carolina to become leaders in various fields. Through cutting-edge research and unique learning environments, the university addresses critical workforce needs, focusing on areas such as information sciences, nursing, biotechnology, and health disparities, contributing to solving complex problems and improving overall quality of life.
Raleigh, NC
Saint Augustine's University, with its distinguished 154-year history, stands as a beacon of excellence and commitment to public service. Specializing in programs such as criminal justice, business administration, and social work, the university prepares a diverse student body for leadership roles in these fields. By combining innovative education with a strong tradition of community engagement, Saint Augustine's University equips its graduates to excel in addressing societal challenges, promoting social justice, and making a positive impact within their chosen professions and communities.
Raleigh, NC
Shaw University distinguishes itself through its pioneering programs in divinity, social work, and journalism. These specialized offerings equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in their respective fields. By preparing them to address pressing societal issues, advocate for social justice, and communicate impactful stories, the university cultivates individuals who can make a profound and positive impact on their communities and the broader world.
Winston-Salem, NC
WSSU stands at the intersection of technology and innovation, offering high-impact educational opportunities in motorsports, gamification, and health sciences. Through pioneering gamification research, motorsports management programs, and health equity initiatives, the university leverages technology to conquer challenges, prepare talent for the motorsport industry, and reduce health disparities, demonstrating its commitment to cutting-edge education and service.
