About this Event
Preview PBS’s Becoming Thurgood, then take part in a powerful community conversation on civil rights, justice and HBCU impact.
Join us at North Carolina Central University School of Law—an institution rooted in justice and legacy—for an exclusive preview screening of the powerful new PBS documentary, Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect. In honor of HBCU Week, this event also features a short film that spotlights the creative force of North Carolina's HBCUs in shaping today’s fashion landscape.
Event Details:
What: Reception, Screening & Panel Discussion featuring Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect
When: Tuesday, August 26 at 6 PM
Where: North Carolina Central University School of Law located at 640 Nelson Street, Durham
This is a FREE event, but registration is required via Eventbrite. Reserve your seat(s) now. Space is limited. Questions about the event or registration, email Karen Nowak at [email protected].
Event Highlights:
6 PM – Reception
- Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments while mingling with alumni, community leaders, students and faculty
7 PM – Program Begins
Welcome Remarks
- David Crabtree, CEO, PBS North Carolina
- Deborah Holt Noel, excecutive producer, PBS NC's Black Issues Forum
7:15 PM – Screening
- Fashion Forward: How HBCUs Are Shaping Industry Trendsetters A short documentary on how NCCU and NC A&T are redefining fashion and culture
- Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect A PBS feature on the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and his journey from HBCU education to the nation’s highest court
8:25 PM – Panel Discussion
Moderated by Kenia Thompson, host, PBS North Carolina's Black Issues Forum, with local scholars, community leaders, and civil rights advocates including Irving Joyner, professor, NCCU, School of Law, reflecting on Thurgood Marshall’s legacy, current civil rights issues and the cultural force of HBCUs.
9 PM – Event Concludes
About the Films
Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect This upcoming PBS documentary chronicles the life of Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court Justice and a proud HBCU graduate of Howard University School of Law. From Baltimore to the NAACP courtroom to the Supreme Court bench, this powerful film highlights how one man’s vision reshaped American justice.
The documentary brings Thurgood Marshall to life featuring interviews with Marshall's family, legal scholars and historians who reflect on how his vision still echoes across America's justice system.
Fashion Forward: How HBCUs Are Shaping Industry Trendsetters Through the lens of North Carolina Central University and North Carolina A & T University, this short film uncovers how HBCUs are cultivating bold new voices in fashion, honoring tradition, celebrating identity, and inspiring future trendsetters like Essence-featured NCCU student Tukii Tucker and NC A&T’s Tyler Cozart of Walking Ticket Co.
Emmy-nominated producer Torrance Hill is the founder of Noir Prism Studios and the creator of the documentary series, "We Are Here." Aired on Howard University's PBS station WHUT, the series earned him an Emmy nomination for highlighting the stories of Black individuals in various sports and activity spaces. Through his company, Noir Prism Studios, Hill focuses on creating high-quality, impactful video content, from short films to corporate projects. This year for PBS North Carolina’s HBCU Week Now short film contribution, Hill offers Fashion Forward: How HBCUs Are Shaping Industry Trendsetters, a documentary that explores the influence of African Americans on fashion and the vital role of HBCUs in shaping the artists who create and define it. Hill is a graduate of Howard University.
Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect premieres on September 9 at 10 PM on PBS NC. Stream online and on the free PBS App.
The documentary will also serve as the centerpiece of HBCU Week NOW 2025, amplifying the contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities through multimeida programming and digital engagement.
The film is presented by Maryland Public Television with funding from The Maryland Center for History Films.
Thank you to our sponsor Maryland Public Television.
Thank you to our event partner North Carolina Central University School of Law.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
NCCU School of Law, 640 Nelson Street, Durham, United States
USD 0.00
