New ‘HBCU First Look’ Channel Coming to Tubi in 2026
*Howard University alum Sheila Eldridge has partnered with Tubi to create a game-changing space for HBCU filmmakers. The new streaming channel, called “HBCU First Look,” will debut next month in February on the free Tubi platform. It will feature more than 100 films by students and alumni from historically Black colleges and universities.
This initiative was announced during the 2025 HBCU First Look Film Festival’s awards ceremony in November. Eldridge, the festival’s founder and CEO of Miles Ahead Entertainment, called the partnership a milestone for Black creatives. The goal is to amplify underrepresented voices in film and television.
Sheila Eldridge’s Career Comes Full Circle with This Deal
Sheila Eldridge graduated from Howard in 1975 and began her career at the campus radio station WHUR-FM. That early experience sparked her passion for media and storytelling. Over the years, she launched Miles Ahead Entertainment, a marketing and broadcasting company.
She’s also behind “Café Mocha Radio,” a syndicated show hosted by Loni Love, Yoyo, and Angelique Perrin, airing in 30 markets nationwide. Eldridge’s influence spans decades, and her new partnership with Tubi brings her mission of empowering HBCU filmmakers to a global platform.
Loni Love and Sheila Eldridge – via Facebook
HBCU Filmmakers Get Global Reach and Revenue Share
The “HBCU First Look” channel is more than just a showcase—it’s a business opportunity. Eldridge confirmed the deal includes a revenue-sharing model that allows student and alumni filmmakers to earn from their work. This marks a big shift in access for emerging Black creatives.
“We were able to create a revenue model so that students also can partake in some of the revenue,” Eldridge told Howard University’s The Dig. “That was important to me because we want to see the next Spike Lee, the next Ryan Coogler, or Ava DuVernay.”
Spotlight on STRUT the Yard and Rising Talent
One of the standout films featured on the upcoming channel is “STRUT the Yard.” Directed by Destiny Stubbs, a 2025 Howard graduate, the documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the university’s Springfest fashion show.
The film explores the emotional and mental health challenges models face, earning critical praise and several honors. It placed second in the 2025 HBCU First Look Film Festival and won Best Feature Film. Stubbs is quickly gaining recognition for bringing authentic HBCU stories to the screen.
How the HBCU First Look Festival Builds Black Creative Futures
Founded by Eldridge, the HBCU First Look Film Festival is more than an event—it’s a pipeline. It connects student filmmakers with the industry and provides platforms like Tubi to distribute their work. This year’s festival accepted over 550 submissions.
Films selected for the new channel reflect diverse experiences, from documentaries to narrative features. The festival continues accepting entries for its 2026 slate via hbcufirstlook.com. The project remains a critical launchpad for fresh Black voices in media.
Sheila Eldridge – via Facebook
Sheila Eldridge’s Long Legacy of Uplifting Black Media
Eldridge’s media career began when she worked under the mentorship of Cathy Hughes at WHUR-FM. She fondly recalls babysitting Hughes’ son, Alfred Liggins III, who is now CEO of Urban One.
Over the years, Eldridge has worked with top-tier brands and institutions, including Coca-Cola, the Apollo Theater, and the Smithsonian’s African American History Museum. Her commitment to Black storytelling and culture has been a constant throughout her career.
Why the ‘HBCU First Look’ Channel Is a Big Deal
This partnership opens the door for Black student filmmakers to be seen and heard around the world. Unlike traditional platforms, Tubi’s free, ad-supported model ensures these films are accessible to broad audiences.
With HBCU filmmakers at the center, the channel promotes educational equity, cultural visibility, and creative ownership. The February 2026 launch is a turning point in how Black stories are shared—and who gets to tell them.
What’s Next for the HBCU First Look Movement
The new Tubi channel is just the beginning. Eldridge plans to expand the festival’s impact through more partnerships, industry mentorships, and creative development programs.
Student creators like Destiny Stubbs are already making waves, and platforms like “HBCU First Look” ensure they continue to rise. It’s a new era for Black media—and HBCU filmmakers are leading the charge.
