HBCU Bibliography
Honoring the revamp of A Different World and the many colleges in Nashville, Tennessee, this bibliography highlights Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the black student’s experience on campus. It seeks to illuminate athletics, music programs, and black Greek letter organizations. These books, movies, shows, and albums help uncover a rich legacy. Some also explore the African American experience on a PWI campus and how relationships built there can last a lifetime.
TV Shows/Movies
Title: A Different World
Citation: Carsey, M., Werner, T., Mandabach, C., Fales, S. (Executive Producers). (1987-1993). A different world [TV series]. Bill Cosby; Carsey-Werner Company.
Description: This show is a spin-off of The Cosby Show and follows the middle daughter, Denise, to the fictional HBCU Hillman College. It highlights timely topics and college life at a historically black college and university. The show ran for six seasons and recieved critical acclaim.
Find it here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092339/?ref_=fn_i_2
Title: A Different World
Citation: Allen, D., Pride, F., Bythewood, R.R., Prince-Bythewood, G., Summers, M., Werner, T. (Executive Producers). (2026-present). A different world [TV series]. Netflix Studios.
Description: The highly anticipated reboot of the classic show, A Different World. This version follows Whitley and Dwayne Wayne's daughter as she forges her own path at her parents’ alma mater, Hillman College. The first season is airing on Netflix and has been picked up for a second season.
Find it here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33081352/?ref_=fn_t_1
Title: School Daze
Citation: Spike Lee (Director). (1988). School daze [Film]. Columbia Pictures; 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks.
Description: School Daze was the second feature film by acclaimed director Spike Lee. This film follows a not-so-popular student at the fictional HBCU Mission College. The film focuses on issues of colorism, racism, Greek life, and sexism among other themes.
Find it here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096054/?ref_=fn_i_1
Title: Drumline
Citation: Stone, C. (Director). (2002), Drumline [Film]. Fox 2000 Pictures, Wendy Finerman Productions.
Description: Drumline follows a NYC drummer as he attends the fictional HBCU Atlanta A&T. He enters the band program as a cocky drummer who learns the value of teamwork, tradition, and family. This feature film highlights HBCU band life.
Find it here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303933/?ref_=fn_i_1
Title: Stomp the Yard
Citation: White, S. (Director). (2007). Stomp the yard [Film]. Rainforest Films, Screen Gems.
Description: After his brother's death, a street dancer from the West Coast moves South to attend an HBCU. While there, he joins a fraternity and the step team. The film focuses on friendship, the college experience, and tradition.
Find it here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0775539/?ref_=fn_i_1
Title: Tell Them We are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities
Citation: Nelson, S. & Williams, M. (Directors). (2017). T [documentary]. Firelight Films.
Description: This documentary examines the impact of HBCUs on American culture, history, and national identity. The history of HBCUs began before the end of slavery and flourished in the 20th century. These institutions have influenced the course of the nation for over 150 years. This documentary explores their rich history and cements their story in American history.
Find it here: https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/tell-them-we-are-rising/
Books/Printed Materials
Title: HBCU: The Power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Citation: Gasman, M. & Esters, L. (2024).HBCU: The power of historically black colleges and universities. John Hopkins University Press.
Description: This book explores the history, legacy, and lasting impact of HBCUs. It highlights their role in providing educational opportunities, developing leaders, celebrating African American culture, and advancing social change. It recognizes the importance of these institutions in empowering students and shaping communities for generations.
Find it here: https://search.worldcat.org/title/1416725157
Title: Fisk University
Citation: Cohen, R. (2001). Fisk University. Arcadia Publishing.
Description: Fisk University by Cohen highlights the history and legacy of Fisk University, a HBCU founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1866. The book explores the university's traditions, notable alumni, and contributions to education, music and African American culture. It celebrates Fisk's lasting influence on higher edcuation and its important role in shaping generations of leaders and the Nashville community.
Find it here: https://search.worldcat.org/title/53874175
Title: You've Got a Place Here, Too: An Anthology of Black Love Stories set at HBCUs
Citation: Harris, K., Ryan, K., Foley, A., Acevedo, E., Rochon, F., Bruce, C., Yoon, N., Bell, J., Platt, C. A., Laymon, K., & Walton, D. (2025). You’ve got a place here, too : an anthology of Black love stories set at HBCUs (E. aDelle, Ed.; First edition). Delacorte Press.
Description: You've Got a Place Here, Too celebrates Black love, romance, and relationships within the unique culture of HBCUs. Through a collection of stories, the anthology explores connection, identity, belonging, and the unforgettable experiences of love that blossom on HBCU campuses.
Find it here: https://www.overdrive.com/search?q=72FC7576-B170-4A23-B82F-A0D394F63837
Title: Heirloom: Perserving HBCU futures
Citation: Thomas, S. R. (Ed.). (2021). Heirloom: preserving HBCU futures. Illinois State University
Description: This book explores the importance of HBCUs and the need to preserve their legacies. THe book highlights the value of HBCUs in education, culture, and community while encouraging continued support and investment to ensure these institutions thrive for future generations.
Find it here: https://quailridgebooks.com/book/9780997404197
Title: Shelter in the Time of Storm: How Black Colleges Fostered Generations fo Leadership and Activism
Citation: Favors, J. M.G. (2019). Shelter in a time of storm: how Black colleges fostered generations of leadership and activism. The University of North Carolina Press.
Description: For generations, Black colleges have nurtured African American students, supporting their education and advancement while fostering racial consciousness and critical analysis of American culture. Student development and politicization at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) sparked waves of activism that helped catalyze the modern Civil Rights Movement and reshape the United States’ political future.
Find it here: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=2024784
Title: Here Comes the Band
Citation: Strickland, S. (2026). Here comes the band (First edition). Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Description: A children's book that highlights the halftime performance of HBCU bands.
Find it here: https://search.worldcat.org/title/1570890648
Title: A Touch of Greatness: A History of Tennessee State University
Citation: Lovett, B. L. (2012). A touch of greatness: A history of Tennessee State University. Mercer University Press.
Description: This book explores the history and development of Tennessee State University, a HBCU in Nashville, Tennessee. The book highlights the institution's academic achievements, influential leaders, student experience, and contributions to African American education and the community.
Find it here: https://search.worldcat.org/title/828893347
Title: HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience
Citation: Rascoe, A. (2024). HBCU made : a celebration of the black college experience (First edition). Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
Description: HBCU Made celebrates the culture, traditions, and lasting impacts of HBCUs. This book highlightsthe experience, pride, and sense of community that make HBCUs unique while honoring their contributions to education, leadership, and African American history.
Find it here: https://search.worldcat.org/title/1433199909
Title: Historically Black College and Universities
Citation: Wing, K. (2022). Historically black colleges and universities. Cherry Lake Publishing.
Description: This book explores the history, purpose, and importance of HBCUs in American education. It highlights the opportunities given by these institutions.
Find it here: https://www.overdrive.com/search?q=4F86A921-3BF9-4F65-BB6D-77ED3E47F785
Title: Our Kind of People
Citation: Graham, L. (2000). Our kind of people: inside America’s black upper class. HarperPerennial.
Description: This book explores the history, traditions, and social experiences of America's Black elite. The book examines the influence of wealth, education, family background, and social networks while offering insight into the complexities of class and identity within African American communities.
Find it here: https://search.worldcat.org/title/39695674