Morgan State Makes History As First HBCU To Win An Emmy
Morgan State University has made film history. At the 67th National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Emmy Awards on June 21, the Baltimore-based HBCU earned its first individual Emmy for History of a National Treasure: The Documentary Story of Morgan State University.
Produced by the Center for New Media and Strategic Initiatives within the School of Global Journalism and Communication, the documentary highlights the institution’s evolution over 158 years as “a national treasure” and spotlights its pivotal role in Black education and culture.
Directed by Dean Emeritus Dewayne Wickham and narrated by veteran journalist Randall Pinkston, the project is part of a growing Morgan State media portfolio that also includes The Calvin Tyler Story and in-production films on other notable Black American figures.
President David K. Wilson, who served as an executive producer, praised the Emmy win as “a shining testament to the creative brilliance and scholarly excellence that define Morgan,” emphasizing the importance of preserving untold stories from the Black experience. The Emmy-winning team included Wickham, President Wilson, editor Ivery Johnson, and Pinkston.
The recognition follows Morgan’s contribution to a 2024 Emmy for WJZ-TV’s Black History Oratory 2023 Special, demonstrating the university’s growing presence in media production.
This Emmy milestone elevates Morgan State’s national standing as a creative powerhouse for Black narratives. By showcasing its own history on-screen with Emmy-level quality, the university not only celebrates its legacy but also strengthens its future as a prominent hub for Black storytelling, journalism and cultural preservation.
