What in the Weekend With Nikki Woods: School Daze

“12 Years A Slave’ opens nationwide this weekend. The movie, about free man Solomon Northrup‘s 12 years in slavery after he was abducted has received rave reviews, but as we say in our review and in our story about who might take caution before buying that ticket, it’s a difficult movie to watch. Thankfully we’ve come a long way since, as the pageantry and tradition of Howard University’s homecoming weekend proves. Erykah Badu, Trey Songz and Brandy will all perform at this year’s event. Chris Tucker and Mike Epps are on the road as is India.Arie. Check out what else is going on this weekend.

HOT ON TV:

All Times Eastern

Friday, October 25

“A Raisin in the Sun Revisited: The Raisin Cycle at Center Stage”

9 p.m., PBS

A look at two plays in the making inspired by the classic Lorraine Hansberry play

Saturday, October 26

World Series Game 3 Red Sox vs. Cardinals

Fox 7:30 p.m.

Who’ll take the leading in the annual baseball championship series?

Sunday, October 27

“Precious”

BET, 8 p.m.

Gabourey Sibide and Mo’Nique star in the story of an abused teen who finds hope in school

“Oprah’s Next Chapter”

Oprah talks about being gay in America with Wanda Sykes, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and “Scandal’s” Dan Bucatinsky

OWN, 9 p.m.

READ IT:

“Twelve Years a Slave” by Solomon Northrup and Sue Eakin

An enhanced e-book edition of the 1853 narrative that was made into the new movie of the same title provides the accurate historical background for the movie and includes photos and background information

SEE IT:

“12 Years a Slave”

Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Alfre Woodward and Michael Fassbender star in the true story of Solomon Northrup, a free back man who was abducted into slavery

Opens nationwide this week

“The Counselor”

Michael Fassbender does a double in this movie about a shady lawyer who gets caught up in the drug game. Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem are in on the action

IN CONCERT/EVENTS: