TUE FEB 17, 2026 7:00 PM SEEN & HEARD: THE HISTORY OF BLACK TELEVISION Free Ticket prices include a $2.00 online booking fee. Aero Theatre | Q&A with directors and producers Giselle Bailey and Phil Bertelsen and executive producers Issa Rae and Montrel McKay Popcorn, soda and candy courtesy of HBO Checking Event Status... *This is an RSVP which means first come first served. This RSVP does not guarantee a seat. Not a Member? Join Today. Already a Member? Be sure you are logged in to your account. Your RSVP is being held for 1 minute, please select the quantity and fill out your contact info to complete the RSVP First Name Last Name Email Quantity Subscribe to our newsletter FINISH
ABOUT THE EPISODE: “Part Two: Heard,” 2025, 93 Mins, Dir. Giselle Bailey and Phil Bertelsen, HBO, USA “Part Two: Heard” addresses ownership of the narrative, highlighting the need for opportunity at every level – including showrunners, editors, cinematographers and writers. The responsibility and power of storytelling is demonstrated in Shonda Rhimes’ color-blind casting for her powerhouse shows, Oprah betting on herself and owning her own content and vision and other stories depicting the breadth of the Black experience, such as scenes of the Tulsa massacre from HBO’s WATCHMEN, that underscored the importance of showing Black history authentically. “Heard” also explores the rise of social media, enabling artists to own their own image, propelling creators like Issa Rae to success, and showcases how creators pay it forward. Lena Waithe’s mentorship lab reflects that mission – to open doors for the next generation and ensure that those telling Black stories reflect the full spectrum of the Black experience. With ownership of media companies, newspapers and intellectual property, Black creators shape perception and policy while honoring the full scope of their history in all its paradoxes and complexities. FORMAT: DCP ABOUT THE SERIES: SEEN & HEARD: THE HISTORY OF BLACK TELEVISION, 2025, HBO, USA SEEN & HEARD: THE HISTORY OF BLACK TELEVISION takes audiences on a two-part journey through the history of Black representation on television, showcasing how Black artists and creators both shaped and revolutionized the medium while confronting the systemic challenges that have often undermined their contributions. From early stereotypical portrayals to today’s more authentic and complex narratives, the series highlights how Black television makers have not only survived but thrived, despite the industry’s early reluctance to fully recognize their power and creativity.