Published:
Some of DC’s best cultural moments are coming to your TV. Howard University Television (WHUT-TV) and DC Public Library announce the premiere of "In the Moment," a new weekly television series showcasing the library's programming. The series debuts Monday, October 6, at 8 p.m. on WHUT-TV (Channel 32).
"In the Moment" draws from programming at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and neighborhood library locations throughout the District. Episodes showcase author talks, panel discussions, performances and community conversations that reflect the city’s intellectual and cultural landscape. The 30-minute episodes include bestselling authors like Willow Smith discussing her novel "Black Shield Maiden," Glory Edim and Michaela Scurlock discussing literature as resistance, activist Marc Lamont Hill exploring trauma and healing, and drummer Tim Steele sharing how DC's Go-Go culture prepared him for the national stage.
“We’re excited to bring DC Public Library’s powerful programming to WHUT viewers. In the Moment connects audiences to the authors, artists, and ideas that reflect diverse viewpoints and experiences. By broadcasting these powerful conversations, we’re ensuring that meaningful storytelling in our libraries reach even more people across the District.” — Sean Plater, General Manager, WHUT
“In the Moment is more than a show—it’s a celebration of the creative energy and intellectual brilliance of local and national thinkers. At WHUT, we’re committed to spotlighting voices that inspire, challenge, and uplift. This partnership with DC Public Library allows us to bring those powerful moments directly into people’s homes.” -- Angela “Angie Ange” Hailstorks, Director of Content, WHUT
“Those who cannot make it to a library program on a weekday evening might still be interested in the authors, ideas and conversations that are happening at the Library,” said Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive director of DC Public Library. “In the Moment" gives people access to the amazing programming taking place across our system. Showing people reasons to come to their library or view a full conversation online expands our ability to help people find their story.”
The partnership aims to extend the reach, introduce television audiences to the intellectual and cultural offerings available at their Library. Full-length conversations and additional content are available on the DC Public Library's YouTube page.
Episodes & Descriptions
- Author Talk: Black Shield Maiden with Willow Smith; Willow Smith on Black Shield Maiden, creativity, self-trust, and reclaiming Black history
- Dr. Dana A. Williams on Toni Morrison; Before the Nobel Prize: Toni Morrison, the Editor. Dana Williams reveals how Morrison championed Black voices and reshaped publishing
- Literature as Black Resistance – “As We R”; Black joy, books & resistance. Glory Edim & Michaela Scurlock reimagine legacy, history & the future
- Roll Call Vol. 1 at the Howard Theatre: Backyard Band; GoGo at the Howard Theatre: Celebrating DC’s official sound and cultural legacy
- Prentis Hemphill and Marc Lamont Hill – “What it Takes to Heal”; Can feelings fuel revolution? Two leaders explore healing trauma and justice work
- Grown Women Talk with Dr. Sharon Malone; Dr. Sharon Malone: medical bias, health myths, and why women must advocate for themselves
- The 5th Element: The State of Hip-Hop Scholarship; Hip-hop hits the ivory tower—can it thrive, or will the academy kill the culture?
- “Flamboyants” with George M. Johnson and Twiggy Pucci Garcon; George M. Johnson reveals why their family still calls them Matt—and who gets to know that side
- Tim Steele – The Drummer’s Circle; Tim Steele on Go-Go, Prince, and that secret DC groove they can’t quite figure out
- The Public Square with Dr. David Johns; Dr. David Johns reimagines schools as places where Black queer brilliance can thrive
Episodes will also be available through WHUT’s Youtube channel (WHUTTV) and the PBS App