BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's Black History Month and one school is showcasing the contribution of black baseball players.

Amy Yensi reports the exhibit is inspiring a new generation.

Students don't have to travel far to learn about black baseball pioneers; the exhibit is right here on campus.

Students at Baltimore City Community College usually walk past an atrium on the way to class---but Tuesday they have a reason to hang out for a while.

"Young people need to understand the true fabric of what it took to get to where we are today," said Rayner Banks, the exhibit's curator.

As part of the school's Black History Month celebration, it's hosting the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball.

"He was the first black Oriole player and he also played in the Negro League," Banks said.

The traveling exhibit of photos and memorabilia from the late 1800s gives a first-hand look at the obstacles and history of African-American athletes.

"You have to know what was before you and what they did, the hard work for them to get where they needed to be," said student Thomas Scott.

Students here are learning things many people don't know. Do the names Connie Morgan, Toni Stone or Mamie "Peanut" Johnson ring a bell? They were also part of the Negro League.

"This is to show them that they can play in the major leagues and things like that because this is proof right here," said student Donovan Jones. "It's motivation, too."

"It's a legacy that needs to go on and on," Banks said. "Someone needs to take that torch and continue it to go on and on forever."

Another little-known fact: the second Saturday in May is Negro League Day in the state of Maryland.

The exhibit has a permanent home in Baltimore County at the Owings Mills library.