Why Not Us poster

Why Not Us

2021–present

Why Not Us takes you into the locker rooms, practice facilities, dorm rooms, classrooms and communities of some of the most well-respected HBCU athletic programs in the country. Explore what it means to be an athlete, student and coach at an HBCU and why men & women everywhere are choosing to experience the rich tradition of these often lesser funded and lesser known programs.

First aired
12 Feb 2021
Episode length
37 min
Also known as
Why Not Us: North Carolina Central Basketball, Why Not Us: FAMU Football, Why Not Us: Southern Dance, Why Not Us: Howard Golf
Country
United States
Language
English
Cinematography
TL Fiedler
Executive producers
S. Wade Garard, William V. Andrew
Producers
Jalaine Edwards, Luke S. Williams
Elsewhere
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Cast

Seasons · 41 episodes

  • North Carolina Central Basketball

    Season 1 · 2021

    Men’s head basketball coach LeVelle Moton overcame humble beginnings to become one of the most accomplished, though not widely known, leaders in HBCU basketball. Now, faced with an unprecedented pandemic, the program struggles to salvage a season and defend its MEAC championship, in the hopes of becoming the first HBCU to reach the Sweet Sixteen.

  • FAMU Football

    Season 2 · 2021

    Why Not Us: FAMU Football presented by Cricket Wireless, the second season of the acclaimed Why Not Us series from The Undefeated on ESPN+ and executive produced by NBA All-Star Chris Paul, premiered Thursday, October 14, exclusively on ESPN+. The new, eight-episode season takes fans behind-the-scenes of Florida A&M Football, one of the most storied athletic teams at an Historically Black College and University, as the Rattlers experience one of the most eagerly anticipated football seasons in school history. Like last year’s first season of Why Not Us, which followed the North Carolina Central men’s basketball team, Why Not Us: FAMU Football examines the distinct culture, experiences and challenges of an HBCU athletic program, exploring what makes FAMU special on and off the field.

  • Southern Dance

    Season 3 · 2022

    For many members of the Black Community in New Orleans, the final Saturday of November is the most highly anticipated event of the year, a “happening” unlike any other in college football. Why Not Us returns for Season 3 and heads to Baton Rouge, to follow the legendary Dancing Dolls of the Human Jukebox Marching Band, as they go from tryouts to their epic battle against Grambling State in the annual Bayou Classic.

  • Howard Golf

    Season 4 · 2023

    Howard Golf follows both men’s and women’s golf teams at Howard University as the student-athletes and their coaches navigate the challenges and triumphs of an emerging Division I program. With an aim toward building a golf legacy that drives a cultural shift in the sport, Howard Golf is primed to compete for championships at top college tournaments across the country.

  • Grambling Dance

    Season 5 · 2023

    Marching band performances at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are unparalleled - the thunderous beats and syncopated steps of the band invigorating the crowd, the choreography of the dance line bringing each song to life. Each element creates an experience that is unique to HBCU culture. This season will follow former captain J'aime Griffith as she takes over the program from a legendary director of 38 years, while also re-establishing the work ethic needed from every dancer to uphold the elite status of the Orchesis Dance Company (ODC) at Grambling State University. Step into the practices, classrooms, and communities of this treasured sisterhood and explore what it takes to epitomize the Orchesis.

  • UMES Volleyball

    Season 6 · 2026

    Why Not Us: UMES Volleyball chronicles the creation of the program from its earliest foundations to its inaugural season, capturing the ambition, challenges and purpose behind building a team and identity from scratch. The project explores the rise of men's volleyball, the importance of diversity and inclusion in collegiate athletics, and the lasting impact of expanding opportunities at HBCUs. At the center is Dr. Anitra Brockman - the first Black woman head coach of a men's volleyball program at a Division I HBCU - as she sets out to build a winning culture from the ground up.

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