Historically, Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have had an undeniable impact on culture. It is therefore important to look back and acknowledge some of the different ways these organizations have become immortalized in the media.
In honor of Black History Month, let’s take a look back at some of the ways HBCUs have been included in various movies and TV shows.
Another world
First is Another worldhighlights student life at the fictional Hillman College during its run from 1987 to 1993.
On top of college antics, this Cosby Program The side story also notably addresses various hot-button issues at the time, including HIV/AIDS and domestic violence.
Hillman College is always a good time! 😂 Watch your favorite episodes #Another world this saturday in our time #Dark History Month The 80s Black TV Comedy Marathon! https://t.co/xlCmySoAny pic.twitter.com/uPYgNnvUUx
– TV One (@tvonetv) February 9, 2023
School of Enchantment
This Spike Lee musical first premiered in 1988 and it focused on highlighting the conflicts between students at HBCU. It is also set during the school’s Homecoming celebration and it prominently deals with experiences in Black fraternities and sororities.
Based on Atlanta Journal-Constitution, School of Enchantment is particularly notable for how it “addresses a long list of issues” that range from color discrimination and structural racism to hate and self-esteem among women.
Boys in the neighborhood
At the end of this beloved classic, Tre and Brandi set off for Atlanta to attend Morehouse and Spelman, respectively.
The result is, Boys in the neighborhood presents an HBCU education as a way of opening up life-changing possibilities, as it allows Tre and Brandi to leave South Central Los Angeles to pursue new goals.
Celibacy
When watching replays of CelibacyViewers couldn’t help but whisper in front of some much HBCU memorabilia pieces worn by the characters.
After all, the drip HBCU also deserves a highlight!
yes, being single is always successful with HBCU representatives ️ pic.twitter.com/UTkewMIex3
— lipé’s plastic coming off the sofa (@_itsfelipe1) May 21, 2021
bum Bum
This coming-of-age film highlights the immense pride that various HBCUs have in their marching bands, as it takes place at the fictional A&T University Atlanta.
About 12 years after the first movie, the sequel is called Drum Line: A New Rhythm premiered on VH1.
university hill
From 2004-2009, students attending various HBCUs were featured in this BET series. They are also all living under the same roof, which allows for occasional bursts of explosive moments.
During its operation, institutions such as Southern, Langston University, Virginia State, University of the Virgin Islands, Morehouse and Clark Atlanta.
Stopping the yard
Switching to steppin’, we have Stopping the yard. This 2007 production highlights fraternity step competitions at a fictional HBCU called Truth University.
Debate
Wiley University takes center stage in Debatewhich highlights the Texas organization’s exemplary 1935 debate group.
Denzel Washington stars as the debating team’s coach, Melvin B. Tolson. Notably, when the film came out in 2007, Washington pledged to donate $1 million to form the debate team.
True Housewives of Potomac
We also have to look at this situation RHOP. With Gizelle Bryant (guava) attended Hampton University and Candiace Dillard Bassett was a two-time Howard graduate, HBCU excellence certainly exists among the program’s full-time members.
In addition, Skylar, daughter of Charrisse Jackson Jordan, attended Spelman College and Robyn Dixon’s husband has ties to Coppin State University.
With a lot RHOP stars with ties to HBCU, they definitely have an unspoken presence on the show!
Congratulations Candiace on getting an MBA from Howard!! What an amazing achievement #RHOP pic.twitter.com/fKDLwqv1S4
– Justin (@justinnalexx) December 12, 2022
The Real Housewives of Atlanta
HBCU also had a good time on RHOAbecause Clark Atlanta University is at the center of the lively interaction in Season 11.
The conflict in particular revolves around Yovanna’s old friend getting upset about Eva Marcille not remembering her, as they seem to have attended the CAU at the same time.
Yovanna: do you know me?
Eva: no.
Yovanna: that’s impossible-
Kandi: how is it impossible?
Yovanna: I mean, I’m that bitch! I’m Yovanna from Clark! BRIDGE! pic.twitter.com/wKpR2oDpB8
– Amazing girl (@Tea_witdre) March 21, 2022
girls trip
While it’s not super in your face, sharp eyes girls trip Viewers spotted a thank you to Florida A&M University.
The friends at the center of the film all meet at Tallahassee HBCU. Notably, Will Packer – producer – also attended FAMU, which may have inspired the reference.
I ONLY realized that Will Packer went to FAMU and he turned the school they graduated from into FAMU during the girls’ trip 😂😂😂😂
— J❤️🩹 (@_imnguyen) April 28, 2020
Quartet
Next is Quartetaired for two seasons before BET canceled it.
The series takes place at the fictional Georgia A&M University, and one of the main characters is the first female president of HBCU.
Homecoming: A Beyoncé Movie
A year after her iconic performance at Coachella, Beyoncé has revealed a film to give fans “an intimate, close-up look” at her path to her performance. .
As her Coachella set — known as Beychella — pays homage to HBCU culture, Bey certainly brought to the table the representation of Black college!
College Hill: Celebrity Edition
In 2022, university hill made a starry comeback! The revival took place at Jackson State University and featured celebrities like Ray J, NeNe Leakes, Lamar Odom, Big Freedia, and Stacey Dash.
BETTING also reported that another season has begun filming at Alabama State University in late 2022 and that stars like Amber Rose, Tiffany Pollard, Ian Shumpert, and Joseline Hernandez have been dropped.
All Americans: Homecoming
Finally, we have an HBCU-focused extension to All Americanstakes place at a fictional institution called Bringston University.
The first season of the sports drama aired from February to May 2022 and it was renewed for a second season.
Thank you to all the HBCU students and alumni out there!
