Fox | HBCU Media Alliance Takes 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story' on an HBCU Tour to Engage Audiences
21st Century Fox Social Impact
On March 9, the Fox | HBCU Media Alliance wrapped the "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) screening and Talk Back Tour. The multi-city tour was headlined by members of the cast from the FX Networks hit series, including Cuba Gooding, Jr., Sterling K. Brown, Courtney B. Vance and director John Singleton, all of whom participated in dynamic conversations that touched on the issues relevant to the series' themes of race, celebrity, discrimination, police corruption and sexism.
The tour kicked off in Houston with HBCU Media Alliance partner Texas Southern University and continued with visits to Morehouse College in Atlanta; Howard University in Washington, D.C.; and an HBCU Alumni event at Ginny's Supper Club in Harlem, New York. Each tour stop was filled with hundreds of members of the Fox | HBCU Media Alliance - students, faculty, alumni and members of the surrounding community who had been watching the series since its February premiere.
"The discussions and audience interactions were simultaneously insightful, witty, challenging and candid - they covered a wide range of topics including the personal experiences of each of the participating series stars, the parallel themes reflected in today's headlines and the need for authentic storytelling in the entertainment industry," said Nicole A. Bernard, Executive Vice President, Audience Strategy for 21st Century Fox.
As the tour concluded at Howard University, audience members once again lined the aisles for an opportunity to pose thoughtful questions to the series panelists. The last was a remark from a student noting the unique and critical importance of the series engaging the HBCU community and the appreciation for the opportunity to dialogue directly about core community values and issues impacting the African American community.
"The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" HBCU screening and Talk Back Tour ended as it began: with enthusiasm, passion and an abundance of selfies that each of the series stars generously accommodated.
The Fox | HBCU Media Alliance nurtures and promotes a growing and dynamic pipeline of talent from HBCUs for executive and creative career opportunities across the 21st Century Fox entertainment businesses.
