‘The UpGrade’ to debut soon

Logo courtesy Robert Tucker II

Students at Florida A&M University want to strive for what’s next in their career path. But they also want to leave a legacy behind on campus that impacts future generations.

This is exactly what Robert Tucker II, a third-year journalism major at FAMU, had in mind when he started a new on-campus show, “The UpGrade.”

“’The UpGrade’ is something more than just an Instagram page. It is a platform where students at historically Black colleges and universities or students who want to attend HBCUs can become accustomed with the culture as well as learn more about their university and what they can do to leave an impression on others that come before and after them,” Tucker said.

The show is designed to give students a wide range of campus-wide information from a number of different segments including hard news, fashion updates, sports and more. The staff for the show has grown to more than 20 students who each hold a specific position in order to contribute to the show.

“Everyone who is on this staff has a passion for the university, passion for media … because of the passion we have for our future careers, we want to make an impact on FAMU’s campus so that we can go out and leave an impact on the world,” Tucker said.

In all these particular roles, students have a chance to enhance their skills and get hands-on experience within the studio of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.

“There’s so many different opportunities and positions in the studio and also in the field, you’ll get to learn how to technical direct, be a producer, editor, all the camera positions, lighting, audio so students will be able to gain those skills and utilize them from a hands-on experience,” said Edward Thomas, FAMU TV20 television station director.

Fritz Beaubrun, a third-year student, believes that being part of the show will him develop skills that will further his career as a producer.

“I feel as if this experience will help me get a feel of how real-world production happens and overall, grasp an idea of what exactly it takes to be a producer,” said Beaubrun, executive producer for the show.

Filming for the “The UpGrade” is underway and students should expect the first episode to be released next month a week prior to homecoming.