Lifetime Christmas movie spotlight HBCU professor

Published: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 1:24 am

Lifetime Christmas Movie Honors HBCU Legacy

A new Lifetime Christmas movie, "Deck the Hallways," pays tribute to the legacy of a Florida A&M University (FAMU) professor. The film, written by FAMU alumnus Gregory Anderson, is inspired by his experiences caring for his late father, Dr. Osiefield Anderson, a longtime math professor at the university. The movie, starring Loretta Devine, explores themes of family, tradition, and memory, offering a festive story about rekindling holiday spirit and cherished connections.

Anderson wrote the script while caring for his father, using the creative process as a way to cope with the family's experience. The film's narrative centers on Zoe, a tech executive who returns home to Chicago to visit her grandmother, Agnes. Zoe discovers Agnes has abandoned family traditions, including the Christmas party started by her late husband. With the help of her childhood crush, Jace, and support from neighbors, Zoe works to revive the tradition.

Dr. Osiefield Anderson dedicated over six decades to teaching at FAMU, retiring in 2019. He was known for blending philosophy and mathematics, inspiring generations of students. He was also a motivational speaker, orator, poet, and Army veteran. He passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 97.

"Deck the Hallways" aligns with Lifetime's growing focus on narratives rooted in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) culture. The network has previously featured films like "Abducted at an HBCU" and "Real Love," which is set against an HBCU backdrop. Anderson is also known for his work on BET's "The Family Business" series, "The Black Hamptons," and the film "Stomp the Yard." "Deck the Hallways" is now available on-demand on the Lifetime app and website.

BNN's Perspective:

This film is a heartwarming tribute to family and the enduring impact of educators. It's encouraging to see Lifetime continuing to highlight stories from the HBCU community, offering diverse representation and celebrating cultural traditions.

Keywords: Lifetime, Christmas movie, HBCU, Florida A&M University, FAMU, Gregory Anderson, Dr. Osiefield Anderson, Loretta Devine, Deck the Hallways, family, tradition, holiday, Zoe, Agnes, Jace, Lifetime app, Lifetime website

Full Story