Directed by Stanley Nelson and Marco Williams • 2017 • United States

The story of America’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) began before the end of slavery, flourished in the twentieth century, and profoundly influenced the course of the nation for over 150 years—yet remains largely unknown. A haven for Black intellectuals, artists, and revolutionaries—and a path of promise toward the American dream—HBCUs have educated the architects of freedom movements and cultivated leaders in every field. TELL THEM WE ARE RISING captures this important history to tell the dynamic story of Americans who refused to be denied a higher education and, through their resistance, created a set of institutions that would influence and shape the landscape of the country for centuries to come.