7 Black College Films About The HBCU Experience
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have rested at the corner of culture and opportunity for many young African American students worldwide. While some students decide to attend their parent’s HBCU alma mater, other students attend HBCUs after seeing the history and culture on campus through many movies and television shows. This homecoming season, we created a list of movies that have highlighted the HBCU experience beyond TikTok and Instagram.
From actors like Taji P Henson (Howard University) and Samuel L. Jackson (Morehouse College) to superstar talent behind the camera like Spike Lee (Morehouse College) and Ruth E Carter (Hampton University). HBCU Alumni have been making their creative mark on the film business for years. Here are movies that tell stories set on HBCU both fictional and IRL!
Burning Sands (2017)
Burning Sands is a newer HBCU drama that delves into the intense and often brutal world of fraternity hazing at a fictional Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Directed by Gerard McMurray, the movie provides a raw and unflinching look at the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by college students who undergo extreme initiation rituals to join a prestigious fraternity. This film features some well known stars who were just up and coming at the time Trevante Rhodes, Trevor Jackson, and Deron Horton.
School Dayz (1988)
School Dayz is a cult classic, this musical comedy-drama film is written, directed, and produced by HBCU Alumnus Spike Lee. The movie is set at the fictional Mission College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and it explores the social, political, and cultural issues within the African American community, particularly among students. The movie showcases a few well-known actors like Tisha Campbell, Giancarlo Esposito, Jasmine Guy, Samuel Jackson, and Laurence Fishburne when they were in their early days. School Dayz is believed to be mimicking the Atlanta University Center, but you be the judge.
The Great Debaters (2007)
The Great Debaters is a drama film inspired by the true story of the Wiley College debate team, an all-Black team from a small historically Black college in Marshall, Texas. Set in the 1930s during the Jim Crow era, the movie follows the tense journey of the debate team as they rise to national prominence under the guidance of their dedicated coach, Professor Melvin B. Tolson, played by Denzel Washington (who also directed the film).Though not focused entirely on HBCUs, it prominently features Wiley College, a historically black college, and its debate team.
Drumline (2002)
Drumline is another millennial classic that focuses on the world of competitive HBCU marching bands at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The story centers around Devon Miles (played by Nick Cannon), a talented but cocky drummer from Harlem who earns a scholarship to attend the fictional Atlanta A&T University in Georgia.
Stomp The Yard (2007)
Stomp the Yard (2007) film that centers around the world of stepping, a form of dance rooted in African-American culture, particularly within Black fraternities and sororities. The movie follows DJ Williams (played by Columbus Short), a talented street dancer from Los Angeles who moves to Atlanta to attend the fictional Truth University, an HBCU, after a tragic incident leads to the death of his younger brother.
Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities (2018)
Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities explores the rich legacy, challenges, and cultural significance of HBCUs, tracing their development from the Reconstruction era to the present day. It covers the ways these institutions have shaped African American identity and Black middle-class leadership, serving as a deep cornerstone for the civil rights movement and a powerful source of empowerment for generations of Black students.
Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha (2021)
This historical documentary chronicles the history and impact of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc., the first Black sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University. It highlights AKA’s well-known contributions to education, civil rights, and social causes over the years while also highlighting key members continuing to build the legacy of the organization. The film emphasizes the sorority’s deep roots in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and how Howard University served as the birthplace not just for their sisterhood, but for the start of many other Divine 9 organizations.