DOVER — Delaware State University will present a public screening of the first documentary about its history, entitled “Delaware State University – A Legacy of Opportunity,” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the second floor parlors of the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center on campus.

The screening is free and open to the public.

The film – which was commissioned by Delaware Humanities – cinematically charts the history of DSU beginning with its inception as the then-Delaware College of Colored Students in 1891. Utilizing archival materials and interviews the documentary shows the obstacles the institution had to work through – especially during the segregation years – and how the challenges were addressed through creativity, tenacity and perseverance. The film includes interviews with a number of local alumni and current faculty and students.

The documentary also features contemporary film footage of the present day DSU – the fruits of Del State leadership over the years, whose dedication and commitment made DSU’s current success possible.

The 52-minute documentary is the work of the Delaware-based filmmaking company of 302 Stories, led by filmmakers Michael Oates and Jean Covert.

The following week, the university will present a screening of the PBS documentary “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 in the second floor parlors of the MLK Jr. Student Center.