For Your Viewing Pleasure: New Aspire TV Show “The Graduates ATL” Follows Six Atlanta HBCU Alums
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HBCU Grads Star In New Aspire Show Set In Atlanta
Atlanta provides the setting for another new black show…
Aspire (@tvASPiRE), the network that reflects, shares and celebrates the experiences of black culture and urban lifestyle, announced today that it will launch a new season of the web series “The Graduates.” “The Graduates ATL” will premiere inside the network’s coverage of HBCU football games while also rolling out online. The eight-part series will launch Saturday, September 30, during halftime of the Miles College versus Alabama State University game at 6 p.m. ET. Webisodes will be available on http://www.aspire.tv the same day they premiere on air.
Moving south from New York City, “The Graduates ATL” is a web series that follows six driven HBCU graduates as they follow their passions and build their careers in Atlanta. In this season, we will see how these graduates adjust to life in the real world – in their jobs, friendships and relationships – as they try to stay true to and achieve their dreams. We will see aspiring moguls, entrepreneurs and executives as they pursue their passion in various competitive industries.
“HBCUs are a fabric of black culture and the cornerstone of black history. We are proud to share the experiences and lives of HBCU graduates in another metropolitan city,” said Melissa Ingram, vice president, channel manager, Aspire. “Building on the success of ‘The Graduates NYC’, we are excited to introduce our viewers to an Atlanta cast made up of big personalities and diverse voices that are all making their mark on the city with their unique stories.”
We’re excited to see the whole lineup but are especially here to root on our homegirl Mimi who is one of the cast members!
Hit the flip for more on the Graduates and their stories
Ashley Maltbia (28), a Howard University grad, currently owns a business that has recognition in all 50
states and is growing exponentially. Giving back to the community is just as important to her as her
business, so teaching young black women how to franchise is her greatest passion. Ashley’s goal is to
expand her business ownership into technology industries.
Herberto “Berto” Horne (24), a Morehouse College grad, has a luxury lifestyle brand, TP Gent (The
Perfect Gentleman), that helps men become modern gentleman by achieving a polished image. Between
publishing his books and public speaking engagements, Berto’s goal is to improve the lives of black men
across the globe.
Jaaion Barnes (32), a Grambling State University grad, is a chef to the stars and has been an executive
chef at two popular Atlanta restaurants. His unique twist on southern staples like chicken and waffles are
becoming fast favorites of the ‘Who’s Who’ in Atlanta’s celebrity scene.
Jarrett Arrington (29), a Morehouse grad, is in commodities procurement. As a gay black man in an
interracial relationship, Jarrett shatters convention and stereotypes about businessmen in the ATL. His
hard work landed him on Wall Street, where he realized that a balanced life was more important than
being a successful Manhattanite.
Jarrett plans on being a senior executive in commodities in the near future.
Mia “Mimi” Johnson (32), a Clark Atlanta University grad, is a makeup artist to the stars. Mimi has
become a fixture on film sets, television shows and live events in Atlanta. The Glamatory, her boutique
makeup salon and retail store, is geared toward the sophisticated, upscale woman.
Niya Hogans (24), a Clark Atlanta University grad, has her own PR and branding firm, Skyy Level Media.
Niya has launched successful campaigns for many of Atlanta’s most elite.
From professional basketball players and movie stars, to red carpet galas and million dollar fundraisers,
Niya has a flair for the fabulous.
Aspire’s HBCU Live Game and “The Graduates ATL” Schedule
Saturday, September 30 at 6 p.m. ET (SIAC)
Miles College v. Alabama State University
“The Graduates ATL” #101 will premiere in halftime and primetime Saturday evening
Saturday, October 7 at 2 p.m. ET (SIAC)
Fort Valley v. Clark Atlanta
“The Graduates ATL” #102 will premiere in halftime and primetime Saturday evening
Saturday, October 14 at 2 p.m. ET (SIAC)
Bowie State v. Virginia State
“The Graduates ATL” #103 will premiere in halftime and primetime Saturday evening
Saturday, October 28 at 2 p.m. ET (CIAA)
Albany State University v. Benedict College
“The Graduates ATL” #104 will premiere in halftime and primetime Saturday evening
Saturday, November 4 at 2 p.m. ET (CIAA)
Virginia State v. Virginia Union
“The Graduates ATL” #105 & #106 will premiere in halftime and primetime Saturday evening
Saturday, November 11 at 2 p.m. ET (CIAA)
CIAA Championship -Teams TBD
“The Graduates ATL” #107 & #108 will premiere in halftime and primetime Saturday evening
