The Niagara Movement: the Early Battle for Civil Rights, a powerful hour-long documentary by WNED PBS, delves deep into the movement’s pivotal role in shaping the civil rights landscape. The documentary explores the Black elite and intellectual society at the turn of the 20th century and examines the heated debate and conflict W.E.B DuBois and William Monroe Trotter had with Booker T. Washington on how to best uplift the race and secure equality for Black Americans.
This one-hour documentary chronicles the story of this critical movement and the roles played by an array of important historical figures who participated in the movement. It brings the story forward to contemporary America where Black people remain engaged in the struggle for equality.
Today, activists employ a range of actions demanding justice and a more equitable world. These sustained protests have taken some Americans by surprise. But, as this program demonstrates, protests about the on-going struggle for equality in America has roots going back more than a century to the Niagara Movement. Ultimately, the documentary looks beyond the story of the movement’s formation and legacy to raise larger questions about why the need continues for people of color to protest on the grounds of civil rights and whether new forms of protest should be developed in the twenty-first century
The Niagara Movement: the Early Battle for Civil Rights premiered November 6, 2023 on WNED PBS. The film will be distributed by American Public Television in February 2024 to public television stations across the country (check local listings). The film will be available on the PBS app in February 2024.
Additional information, feature, lesson plans, a community & educators discussion guide and bonus materials can be found at www.theniagaramovement.org.
WNED PBS celebrates Black History Month in February with a diverse selection of programs that are both highly entertaining and edifying. WNED PBS will offer new documentaries and encore programming to spotlight those who have made significant contributions to the African American experience.
Highlights include Season 10 of FINDING YOUR ROOTS, GOSPEL LIVE! PRESENTED BY HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. (Feb. 9), and GOSPEL (Feb. 12). In addition, a new PBS KIDS series, LYLA IN THE LOOP will premiere on Feb. 5.
From INDEPENDENT LENS documentaries exploring various experiences of Black Americans, to a series that explores Canfield, Ontario's rich history of Black ancestry, to AMERICAN MASTERS programs that highlight famous artists who achieved success over prejudice and injustice, to historical programs from Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., viewers will gain a deeper understanding of African American history and culture.
As a complement to the primetime schedule and continuing for the third consecutive year is THE BLOCK PARTY, a streaming collection and social campaign presented by PBS’s Black Culture Connection, created to amplify Black stories across PBS’s digital platforms through curated and original bonus content.
Since the earliest days of the Republic, African Americans have been part of the nation’s fighting force and fought to defend the very freedoms they could not enjoy as citizens. Two Wars: The Road to Integration is a half-hour program documenting the tremendous endeavor to integrate the U.S. Armed Forces and what that meant for Black service members and their families. The program features interviews with historians, veterans, and family members who trace the journey taken by Black service members before and after integration.
Additional Airdates:
Sunday, February 18 at 11:30pm
Friday, February 23 at 4am
Were trees intentionally planted to exclude and segregate a Black neighborhood?
Canfield Roots | Preview
You'd never know it but the sleepy hamlet of Canfield in Southern Ontario has an interesting history, one that's been hidden from view for years. Bill Douglas lived in Canfield most of his life and even he's surprised when local historians begin to reveal his family's role in Canfield's rich history of Black ancestry. Watch all 6 episodes back-to-back.
3pm Canfield Roots| Episode 1
The rich history of Black ancestry in the sleepy hamlet of Canfield in Southern Ontario is detailed.
3:30pm Canfield Roots| Episode 2
Bill Douglas visits the BME Church Salem Chapel to learn more about freedom seekers in Ontario.
4pm Canfield Roots| Episode 3
Former residents of Canfield reflect on the impact of the last man to be executed in Hamilton.
4:30pm Canfield Roots| Episode 4
A collector researches an artist with a connection to an abandoned family cemetery in Canfield.
5pm Canfield Roots| Episode 5
Residents and descendants meet to discuss what to do over an abandoned family cemetery in Canfield.
5:30pm Canfield Roots| Episode 6
Descendants of freedom seekers gather at an abandoned family cemetery to mark Emancipation Day.
This Little Light of Mine: The Legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer | Preview
A poor, Mississippi sharecropper escapes debilitating abuse to become an indomitable force against the political elite and a voice for millions fighting for the right to vote in 1964.
Experience Anthony Davis’s groundbreaking opera directed by Tony nominee Robert O’Hara.
Additional Airdate: Wednesday, February 7 at 1am
Explore the authentic spiritual experience of African American gospel music in this performance documentary. Taped before a live audience at the Second Baptist Church congregation in Bloomington, Indiana, Rev. Dr. Raymond Wise guides viewers on an educational and uplifting experience while leading the Indiana University African American Choral Ensemble in a performance of sacred music deriving from African traditions.
Additional Airdate: Friday, February 16 at 10pm
Miami's Liberty City public housing projects become ground zero for climate gentrification
Additional Airdate: Friday, February 9 at 3:30pm
Cassius Clay publicly joins the Nation of Islam and takes the name Muhammad Ali.
How six iconic African American female entertainers challenged the entertainment industry.
Additional Airdate: Thursday, February 8 at 12am
Discover how the advent of the automobile brought new freedoms and new perils for African Americans.
Civil rights leader, lawyer, diplomat, organizer of the Peace Corps and its first African-American director, United Nations representative, president of the Phelps-Stokes Fund, associate of Thurgood Marshall and first chair of a unique judicial commission dedicated to racial fairness, Franklin Hall Williams was a visionary and trailblazer who devoted his life to the pursuit of civil rights-not through acrimony and violence and hatred, but through reason and example. Narrated by Sterling K. Brown, this documentary explores the life of Williams that includes archival, Oval Office audio of President Lyndon Johnson and then-Solicitor General Thurgood Marshall discussing Franklin Williams, insightful interviews with former Chief Judges Sol Wachtler and Jonathan Lippman, introspective footage of the Ambassador's son and namesake and several other interviews with scholars, civil rights advocates and others who knew him.
Celebrate the legacy of Gospel music in America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
The early battle between Black civil rights leaders over the path to secure equality.
Additional Airdates:
Saturday, February 10 at 5:30pm
Friday, February 16 at 3am
Monday, February 19 at 9pm
Chefs Vivian Howard and Marcus Samuelsson visit Grand Central Market and explore L.A.'s food scene.
Inspired Lives features in-depth conversations with FUBU founder Daymond John, and six-time Grammy Award-winner Dionne Warwick.
In 1864, the powerful industrialist and engineer George Pullman brought luxury to overnight train travel with his revolutionary sleeping cars. Passengers aboard these rail cars were served by former slaves who became known as Pullman Porters and Maids. Pullman soon established a company town for employees on Chicago's South Side, giving him complete autonomy over every aspect of their lives.
Dr. Chavis interviews civil rights icon and former mayor of Atlanta, Andrew Young.
Marian Anderson is considered one of the most important opera performers of the 20th century. The celebrated contralto was born in South Philadelphia on Feb. 27, 1897, and played a vital role in the acceptance of African Americans in classical music and other segregated performing arts genres. MARIAN ANDERSON: ONCE IN A HUNDRED YEARS traces the arc of Anderson's life and her struggles against racism and poverty. The program culminates with her battle against the Daughters of the American Revolution, which led to her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
Follow the trail of one of America's first recognized Black female composers and piano virtuosos.
The story of the unknown Freedom Fighter who started a Movement that changed the world.
Additional Airdate: Friday, February 16 at 4am
The story of the 22-year-old son of a sharecropper who triumphed over adversity to become a hero and world champion.
Muhammad Ali battles Joe Frazier and the US government as he tries to regain the heavyweight title.
The latest history series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song.
Additional airdates: Thursday, February 15 at 12am Saturday, February 17 at 4pm Monday, February 26 at 12am
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. introduces actor Danielle Brooks and singer Dionne Warwick to their distant ancestors -- breaking down the barriers imposed by slavery.
Additional airdate: February 15 at 4am
The latest history series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song.
Additional airdates: Thursday, February 15 at 2am Saturday, February 24 at 4pm Monday, February 26 at 2:20am
Forensic experts examine the remains of a young African American woman from 19th century New York.
Additional Airdate: Friday, February 16 at 1am
There are few historical figures whose life and work speak to the current moment more than Ida B. Wells, the 19th-century crusading investigative journalist, civil rights leader, and passionate suffragist. In the wake of her recent posthumous Pulitzer Prize citation, Chicago street naming, and the release of a revealing new biography by her great-granddaughter Michelle Duster, the hour-long documentary Ida B. Wells: American Stories tells her story as never before.
Mamie Lang Kirkland left Mississippi to escape racial violence and did not return for a century.
Enjoy performances and learn more about the Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers.
Additional Airdate: Wednesday, February 21 at 4:30am
Celebrate a message of peace and love with the five-time Grammy-winning Blind Boys of Alabama.
Additional Airdate: Wednesday, February 21 at 1am
Shadow Between Us | Preview
A Black dancer finds the courage to participate in a project that will affect everyone involved.
Additional Airdate: Wednesday, February 21 at 2am
The 88th Annual Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Chuck D of Public Enemy explores Hip Hop’s political awakening over the last 50 years. With a host of rap stars and cultural commentators he tracks Hip Hop’s socially conscious roots. From The Message to Fight The Power 2020, he examines how Hip Hop has become "the Black CNN."
Explore the 1980s and the birth of Hip Hop as social commentary.
Experience the 1990s and the unstoppable rise in the popularity of Hip Hop.
The life and career of one of the most popular rhythm and blues singers of the 1960s are chronicled.
A story of passion, opportunity, heartbreak and triumph of the human spirit. Set in the over-whelmingly white world of classical dance, it tells the stories of several black women from different generations who fell in love with ballet. Sixty years ago, while pursuing their dreams of careers in classical dance, Joan Myers Brown, Delores Browne and Raven Wilkinson (the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo's first black ballerina) confronted racism, exclusion and unequal opportunity in segregated mid-century America. In 2015, three young black women also pursue careers as ballerinas, and find that many of the same obstacles their predecessors faced are still evident in the ballet world today. Through interviews with current and former ballet dancers along with engaging archival photos and film, the one-hour documentary uses the ethereal world of ballet to engage viewers on a subject that reaches far outside the art world and compels viewers to think about larger issues of exclusion, equal opportunity and change.
FINDING FELLOWSHIP captures how the seeds for potential reconciliation were planted in the same fields where slave masters once terrorized. This film shares how one community came together in the wake of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination and offers an example of how communities can lean on their shared heritage to progress.
By the mid twentieth century, Mississippi's African Americans had suffered from nearly 75 years of slavery by another name - Jim Crow discrimination. In 1964 in Mississippi, people died in an effort to force the state to allow African Americans to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Although, the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer has passed, the struggle for voting rights is still pertinent. According to the NAACP, states have recently passed the most laws limiting voter participation since Jim Crow. Moreover, these laws also disenfranchise other people of color, the elderly, poor, and disabled. With the 2015 anniversary of the Voting Rights Act as well as the upcoming presidential primaries and general election, voting rights will remain at the forefront of a national debate. With historical footage and interview with Freedom Summer architects and volunteers, as well as present day activists, 1964: THE FIGHT FOR A RIGHT uses Mississippi to explain American voting issues in the last 150 years. For instance, why are red states red?
Go beyond the legend and meet the woman who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. One of the greatest freedom fighters in U.S. history, Tubman was an Underground Railroad conductor, a Civil War scout, and a spy.
George H. White: Searching for Freedom | Preview
Get some insight into George H. White's groundbreaking accomplishments as a leader and a politician.
Echoes of Praise: Gospel Music In NY's Capital Region | Preview
Celebrating the rich tradition and legacy of gospel music in New York's Capital Region.
The early battle between Black civil rights leaders over the path to secure equality.
Coming February 28 - Celebrate the rich history of Black roles and voices on Broadway.
WNED PBS presents "The Freedom Wall" a documentary about the creation of the Albright Knox Public Art Mural at the corner of Michigan Avenue and East Ferry Street in Buffalo, NY. The Freedom Wall features portraits of twenty-eight notable local and national civil rights leaders from America's past and present painted by local artists - Edreys Wajed, John Baker, Julia Bottoms and Chuck Tingley.
The Albright-Knox Art Gallery Public Art Initiative, in collaboration with the Michigan Street African-American Heritage Corridor and neighborhood stakeholders, envisioned the mural as a way to celebrate our nation’s historic and ongoing struggles for political and social equality, including the formative and lasting contributions of local leaders to this cause. The list of subjects was generated from multiple public meetings with community members that yielded hundreds of suggestions.
Producers:
Albright Knox Art Gallery - Maria Scully-Morreale
PicSix Creative - Mark Blaszak
For more information on The Freedom Wall, visit www.albrightknox.org/community/ak-public-art/freedom-wall.
The Freedom Wall is a film that documents the making of "The Freedom Wall" mural and profiles the four artists who created this Albright-Knox Public Art Initiative work: John Baker, Julia Bottoms, Chuck Tingley, and Edreys Wajed.
A new PBS Digital Studios series hosted by YouTube sensations Evelyn Ngugi of “Evelyn from the Internets” andAzie Dungey, Emmy-nominated writer and creator of “Ask a Slave.” Part cultural critique, part talk show and part history lesson, SAY IT LOUD will explore Black American culture and its impact on broader communities and trends.
The series’ will dive into the history behind cultural tropes and touch points, and focus on relatable experiences of modern Black American life, exploring media, public affairs and social media trends like #GrowingUpBlack and #BlackGirlMagic. For example, audiences can expect to see episodes that highlight things they didn’t know were invented by Black people, the meaning of Black pride and the experiences of first generation Africans in America compared to African Americans.
Origin of Everything is a history show from PBS Digital Studios. Every aspect of our daily reality, whether its the words we use, the pop culture we love, the technology that get us through the day, or even the identities we give ourselves, emerge from thousands of intersecting histories. And on this show, we're going to explore them ALL! . . . Okay, maybe not ALL, but you get the idea.
Why does the government care about race?
WNED Classical Blog February 2024
Ulysses Simpson Kay, Jr., (1917-1995) was an African American composer born in Arizona. He wrote 140 works for orchestra, band, chorus, chamber ensembles, voice, and organ as well as film scores and operas. He won two prestigious Prix de Rome awards and had an illustrious teaching career. Learning that he was my teacher’s teacher was a moving surprise. Now I want to hear everything he wrote!
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What’s Next? is a program that uncovers and discusses the issues and topics pertinent to marginalized and underrepresented populations of Western New York and Southern Ontario.
From inception, days after the racist May 14, 2022 shooting in Buffalo, the show has tasked itself to be a champion for social equity and justice. Moving forward we will continue to feature voices from all parts of our shared community to celebrate our individual differences as well as the commonalities.
The show is broadcast live on air from 10am to 11am Monday through Thursday, and airs again weekdays at 9pm as well as Sundays at 6pm on WBFO. It is also available digitally through WBFO’s website, apps, and as a podcast.
In recent years, the Buffalo region has had a significant revival, but some question whether all neighborhoods are benefiting. Buffalo Toronto Public Media is exploring that broad issue through the lens of racial equity. We’re examining the ways discrimination can leave some residents out of the resurgence – in areas such as education, public safety, housing and the economy.
BTPM community Engagement Project
In proud partnership with The Buffalo History Museum and the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, Buffalo Toronto Public Media is presenting a community engagement project titled, Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom & Becoming Frederick Douglass. This project includes an interactive and engaging Black History location map of Western New York and Southern Ontario, a community discussion guide, lesson plans and screenings of the films at The Buffalo History Museum in 2023.
In addition to on-air programs, the PBS Black Culture Connection (BCC), an extension of PBS.org, is a place where we celebrate Black experiences, learn Black history, and uplift Black voices. Come for the documentaries, stay for the Block Parties.
Black Culture Connection
Test your knowledge of iconic moments in black music history.
Black History Month
MLK, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson. Can you guess who said what in this Famous Quotes Quiz?
PBS LearningMedia - PBS’ online destination for educators and students - offers a range of curriculum-targeted resources that support lessons on black history and spotlight the leaders, thinkers, and innovators that helped shape our nation’s history. Through lesson plans, videos, discussion questions, and digitized primary sources, PBS LearningMedia helps teachers to inspire curiosity in their classrooms and strengthen students’ personal connection to black history and culture. Featured resources illuminate the lives of figures like Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Rosa Parks and delve into key themes relevant to the Civil Rights Movement. Offerings include The Niagara Movement Collection from WNED PBS, a Black History Month Collection from Georgia Public Broadcasting that addresses civil rights and cultural history; "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,” which features content from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s series; "Basic Black," a WGBH series that highlights stories by and about African Americans; and several collections on the Civil Rights Movement. Youth Stand Up is a multimedia digital civic action curriculum designed to inspire, equip, and empower middle school students to become changemakers.
PBS LearningMedia also offers related resources from PBS programs like THE BLACK CHURCH: THIS IS OUR STORY, THIS IS OUR SONG, UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: THE WILLIAM STILL STORY, WAR OF 1812, SOUNDBREAKING, BLACK AMERICA SINCE MLK: AND STILL I RISE, MERCY STREET, AT THE INTERSECTION OF CHEMISTRY AND CIVIL RIGHTS, and AFRICA’S GREAT CIVILIZATIONS.
As a special feature for Black History Month, PBS and ITVS have partnered to deliver a free 3-part film and conversation series for classrooms, “More Than A Month.” Students and teachers that participate in the virtual events will have a chance to hear from a range of notable film producers and directors, preview segments from their latest films, and pose questions in real-time. More information about this series is available on the PBS Teachers’ Blog.
Inspire your learners to explore careers in STEM fields by providing them with diverse role models! Feature the stories and voices of acclaimed Black scientists, engineers, inventors, and mathematicians and bring their work into your classroom with these engaging media resources.
As a young girl, Mae Jemison spent most of her free time staring up at the stars hoping to one day be able to go to space. Years later, Jemison would apply to be an astronaut and blast off into history by becoming the first Black woman to travel into space. Learn more about Mae Jemison’s journey to becoming an astronaut and her mission into space in NOVA’s ”The Secret Life of Scientists.”
Many teachers and schools honor the accomplishments of Black pioneers and key historical figures during Black History Month. However, it’s important to amplify that history throughout the year. Celebrate the joy and achievements of the Black community with the 4-part series "Making Black America: Through the Grapevine" and explore pathways to engage with and understand topics like hip-hop , history, and culture in new ways – all year long.
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