INDEPENDENT LENS | Tell Them We Are Rising | Behind the Scenes | PBS

"Tell Them We Are Rising" explores the pivotal role historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have played in shaping American history, culture and national identity. Go behind the scenes of this documentary with filmmaker Stanley Nelson, Dr. Michael Lomax, President of United Negro College Fund, and Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, President of Spelman College.

Nelson tells us the film is one of the hardest he's ever had to make, because it covers about 170 years of history. Find out more about what this film, the first ever to tell the whole history of HBCUs, is so important. Premiering Monday, February 19, 2018. Check local listings:





This acclaimed Emmy Award-winning anthology series features documentaries and a limited number of fiction films united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement and unflinching visions of their independent producers. INDEPENDENT LENS features unforgettable stories about a unique individual, community or moment in history. The series is supported by interactive companion Web sites and national publicity and community engagement campaigns.