BET airs documentary on Fisk University gymnastics

BET Digital is shining a spotlight on one of the most groundbreaking stories in collegiate athletics with the debut of its new short-form documentary, “Flipped.” The film centers on the trailblazing gymnastics team at Fisk University, a program that made history as the first women’s gymnastics team at an HBCU.

The documentary captures the team’s journey, resilience, and cultural impact, offering an inside look at the athletes who helped redefine representation in the sport. Through powerful storytelling and behind-the-scenes moments, “Flipped” highlights how Fisk’s gymnasts not only competed at a high level but also inspired a new generation of Black athletes to see themselves in spaces where they’ve long been underrepresented.

Award-winning filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper directs the project, with Robin Lyon serving as producer. The documentary follows the Fisk University women’s gymnastics team from its historic inaugural season in 2023 to its bittersweet conclusion just three years later. What began as a true Cinderella story—built without a dedicated gym, full-time trainer, or substantial funding—quickly evolved into a symbol of perseverance and excellence. Despite the odds, the team competed in three successful seasons before the university announced the program would come to an end.

“Directing Flipped is a celebration of brilliance, resilience, and the power of possibility. Fisk University’s historic gymnastics team is another chapter in Black excellence—grace meeting grit, discipline meeting destiny,” Draper said. “Bringing their story to the screen expands the lens of the American narrative and reminds us that when we share our stories fully and fearlessly, we elevate the spirit of us all.”

The documentary features standout athletes including Naimah Muhammed, Ziya Coleman, Jordan Cromartie, and Kiara Richmond, along with Morgan Price, who now competes at the University of Arkansas. Price made history as the first gymnast from an HBCU to win a USA Collegiate National Championship title in 2024, further cementing the program’s lasting impact on the sport.

Though the Fisk gymnastics program is coming to an end, its legacy is far from over. “Flipped” serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination. In just a few short years, these athletes didn’t just make history—they changed the narrative, leaving behind a blueprint for future generations to follow and a story that will continue to inspire long after the final routine.

“Flipped” is available now to stream on BET.com and the official BET YouTube channel.

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