The nation’s 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities will soon have their own television network.

HBCU Network, launching in 2011, will feature sports, edutainment, and lifestyle content 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Based in Atlanta, the cable network is designed to highlight African American culture.

“The idea and vision behind the creation of the HBCU Network is to preserve and celebrate the African American colleges and universities, while also providing opportunities for their growth and further prosperity,” said Curtis Symonds, CEO of C3 Media LLC, the holding company that owns and operates HBCU Net.

The privately funded network plans to partner with ESPN to offer the best sports programming. The channel hopes to become the prime spot for sports coverage, including the four major HBCU conferences and Division I and Division II athletic events.

It is also trying to partner with TV One to bring quality Black programming.

“We are excited at the opportunity to bring an unexplored side of the African American experience to television,” said Candace Walker, the executive vice president.

When it launches, HBCU Net is predicted to reach 10 million households and 20 HBCU footprint states.

In addition to sports, edutainment, and lifestyle, HBCU Net will also offer financial opportunities to Black schools by offering them a 20 percent equity.