February 19, 2026 — Northern Kentucky University will host former Netflix producer and filmmaker Olivia Charmaine Morris as a guest lecturer for the university’s Black Cinema Celebration. The two-day event is part of NKU’s Black History Month celebration and aims to provide students with a deeper level of education in relation to film, a lesser-known aspect of Black studies.
What: Black Cinema Celebration Keynote with Olivia Charmaine Morris
When: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Where: NKU’s Mathematics, Education and Psychology Building
Morris brings a distinguished career in film and television, including work as an executive producer at Netflix and as founder and CEO of her production company, Black Monarch Entertainment. Her career also includes creative executive leadership roles with TBS (WarnerBros. Discovery) and Universal Television (NBCUniversal).
“Morris’ visit to NKU highlights the university’s status as a premier destination for leadership, education and the arts,” says NKU’s Director of Black Studies Dr. David Childs. “Through opportunities like the Black Cinema Celebration’s film screenings and Morris’ keynote address, we provide experiences that allow students to learn from successful and innovative creative professionals.”
In her keynote address, Morris will speak on the importance of historical education centered on the arts and film. The event will also include a screening of Morris’ new animated short film that she co-produced with NKU professor Dr. David Childs.
"My career blossomed from being rooted in Cincinnati's rich creative soil,” says Morris. “I was immersed in the arts here from a young age, and that foundation continues to shape my work. Being back in this region to engage with students and celebrate Black cinema is both humbling and energizing.”
The Black Cinema Celebration is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, visit the Black Cinema Celebration registration page.
About Northern Kentucky University: NKU is an entrepreneurial state university of more than 15,000 students on a thriving suburban campus nestled between Highland Heights, Kentucky and bustling downtown Cincinnati. Ranked in the top 65 out of nearly 600 universities nationwide by The Wall Street Journal for exceptional value, we are a regionally engaged university committed to delivering an innovative, student-centered education. We empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, while contributing to the economic, civic and social vitality of the region. For more information, visit nku.edu.
###NKU###
