At 9:30 AM on Saturday, February 15 Washington’s NBC 4 will air, LAKELAND: Honoring the Past, Building the Future:

The NBC 4 team says “For Black History Month 2025, NBC4 is shining a light on a powerful and often-overlooked story: the history of Lakeland, a once-thriving Black community in Maryland that was nearly erased by urban renewal policies.

Through heartfelt interviews with longtime Lakeland residents, viewers will experience the deep sense of connection and belonging that has defined this neighborhood for generations. NBC4 takes audiences to Lakeland Day, a vibrant annual gathering, and inside local churches, where faith and fellowship have long been pillars of the community.

But Lakeland’s story is also one of loss. Like hundreds of Black neighborhoods across the country, Lakeland was devastated by government policies that displaced families and dismantled communities under the guise of progress. Residents share firsthand accounts of what was taken from them—and how those losses still reverberate today.

Yet, this special is not just about the past; it’s about the fight for justice and the future of Lakeland. Viewers will see how the city of College Park is working to make amends through a restorative justice commission, an effort to acknowledge past wrongs and find ways to repair the harm done.

Most importantly, this is a story of perseverance. Despite the destruction, Lakelanders have never lost their bond. They continue to gather, celebrate, and pass down their history, ensuring that Lakeland’s spirit endures for generations to come.

Lakeland: Honoring the Past, Building the Future is more than a documentary—it’s a tribute to the strength of a community that refuses to be forgotten.”