Madison Public library and Wisconsin Public Television will be presenting Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities tonight, one of the first documentaries to chronicle the 150 year history of HBCUs.
The screening is apart of annual series the library does every year where they show PBS documentaries before they air.
Unlike past films though, this screening will include more discussions and activities geared towards educating local students and families about their options with historically Black colleges and universities.
“There is not a lot of opportunity for kids in Madison to hear about these colleges,” Kylee Moore told Madison365. Moore is the community engagement librarian who, spearheaded by community engagement coordinator Annie Weatherby-Flowers, planned the events.
“I think many students don’t know that it’s an option, so we really wanted to show kids that there are more options for college and the importance of these institutions and how they’ve contributed to African American culture,” Stoor said.
Prior to the filming the library will host two panels, the first being geared towards scholarships and financial aid literacy for students of color.
The panelist will include United Negro College Fund regional director Michael Cox, as well as representatives from MMSD and Madison College’s financial aid department.
The second panel will give students the opportunity to hear from current Madisonians who have attended an historically Black college or university and will be offered before and after the film.
The panels will run from 3 to 6 p.m. followed by a pizza dinner and the film screening.
The library has partnered with JoAnne Brown and Nichelle Nichols of MMSD to provide transportation to the event from local schools.
The event will take place at the Central Library and the film will be shown at 6:30. The event is free and open to the public.
