Press Releases

WCNY to host free screening of ‘Independent Lens—Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities,” Feb. 25

by Rouhollah Goudarzi

February 3, 2020

In celebration of Black History Month, WCNY, Central New York’s community-owned flagship public broadcaster, is hosting a free community screening of “Independent Lens–Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities.”

The event will take place in the television studios at WCNY’s Robert J. Daino Broadcast and Education Center, 415 W. Fayette St., from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25.

“Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities” traces the rise and influence of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This 150-year story dates back to the mid-19th century before the end of slavery, and continues through the Civil Rights Movement, up to the present. Discover how Black Universities fundamentally shaped Black life in America, created a Black middle class, and dismantled segregation.

Following the film there will be a panel discussion on the history and role of HBCUs in the education of black youth, the role of activism at HBCUs, and the mission and values of HBCUs.

To register for the free event, visit wcny.org/events.

About WCNY
WCNY was founded in 1965 as The Educational Television Council of Central New York. Today, it is a community-owned media company that produces content across multiple platforms, including television and radio programs, dynamic web and targeted email content, the WCNY CONNECT member magazine, and social media. Through online stream technology, WCNY has a global broadcast audience of viewers and listeners throughout the United States and 17 countries. WCNY operates five digital, pledge-free broadcast channels and three radio stations. Towers are located in Watertown and Utica, and WCNY’s radio programming extends into Canada. Classic FM is one of a few radio stations in the world dedicated to locally programmed music.

Educational services include workshops; a 10,000 square-foot building with dedicated Education Center; Read Out, a radio reading service for the visually impaired; Enterprise America for middle school students; and a media and marketing communications program for high school students.

WCNY is LEED® Platinum Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest certification level achievable in Leadership, Energy & Environmental Design. Other achievements include “Business of the Year” in the nonprofit category in 2014 by CenterState CEO.