| November 18th, 2016

FAMU Alumni Spearheads Web Series on HBCU Graduates Succeeding in New York City

By: journeymagazine

Words By: Alexis Lockhart

Executive producer and Florida A&M University alumnus Randolph Sturrup and NBC’s Al Roker have created the hit web series known as “The Graduates NYC” which airs every Saturday on ASPiRE television.

The web series portrays six historically black college or university (HBCU) graduates as aspiring artists, moguls, entrepreneurs and executives being successful on their own terms. “I wanted to do a project that changed the narrative and show what it means to be a young black millennial HBCU graduate,” stated Sturrup.

Known for his outstanding work in the award-winning play “The Trip to Bountiful” in 2013, Sturrup has made it his passion to produce quality works of art that uplift and promote the prestigious heritage of African-Americans.

“As a third generation HBCU graduate, I have a responsibility to uplift and respect the legacy and history of what it means to be a HBCU graduate,” explained Sturrup.

Sturrup couldn’t produce this series without paying homage to his own HBCU, Florida A&M University.

Chasity Logan, another FAMU alumna is one of the shows’ star personalities.

“Going to an HBCU will build tenacity whether you want to or not,” stated Logan, who received her MBA in 2008.

“It prepared me for this concrete jungle that I’m in.”

Logan is currently the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development for a large non-profit drug rehabilitation center and enrolled at Columbia University pursuing a graduate degree.  

“You can definitely expect something different from the status quo,” Logan said about the series.

Aspire TV, known for presenting authentic portrayals of black and urban culture, is fired up about this new series “We are excited to expand our HBCU programming with the premiere of this new web series featuring proud graduates,” said Melissa Ingram, vice president of channel operations and business affairs at ASPiRE.

With a network that’s supportive of uplifting the culture of people of color on board, Sturrup couldn’t be happier.

“ASPiRE has been the perfect partner for this series because of the networks commitment in providing a platform of shows that display positive authentic portrayals and positive images of people of color,” stated Sturrup.  

“The Graduates NYC” is produced by Al Roker Entertainment and RDS Entertainment Group. All episodes are available for viewing on www.aspire.tv