Episode 2
Discover how the Black church expanded its reach to address social inequality and minister to those in need, from the Jim Crow South to the heroic phase of the civil rights movement and the Black church’s role in the present.
Episodes
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Episode 2
S1 E2 - 1h 49m
Discover how the Black church expanded its reach to address social inequality and minister to those in need, from the Jim Crow South to the heroic phase of the civil rights movement and the Black church’s role in the present.
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Episode 1
S1 E1 - 1h 50m
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of African American religion beginning with the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the extraordinary ways enslaved Africans preserved and adapted their faith practices from the brutality of slavery to emancipation.
Extras + Features
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Prathia Hall’s Inspires MLK’s “I Have A Dream"
S1 - 1m 14s
Martin Luther King Jr. met Prathia Hall in a mass meeting where she discussed her vision for the world by repeating the phrase “I have a dream.” Dr. King adapted her prayer to one of the famous speeches in American history.
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Jennifer Hudson On the Power of Church
S1 - 38s
Jennifer Hudson’s first memory of church was on Easter Sunday, where videos of Jesus’ crucifixion brought her to tears. This experience was the moment she finally understood the power of the Church.
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The Black Church Bridges the Divide Through Music
S1 - 1m 27s
In 1997, Kirk Franklin introduced gospel music to the Billboard charts with his song “Stomp.” However, some traditional church leaders accused him of bringing “devil music” into the Church.
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The Church as a Place of Refuge
S1 - 58s
As Black Churches became prominent throughout the country, white supremacists began targeting these sacred places of refuge for the Black community.
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A Church That Is Welcoming to All
S1 - 1m 33s
The Black Church emerged out of struggle but yet has a history of oppressing its members. For the institution to survive, it must be a place that is welcoming to all.
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John Legend Credits the Church for His Music Career
S1 - 26s
Growing up steeped in the church, John Legend attributes his faith-oriented upbringing to his successful music career.
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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Reflects on the Black Church
S1 - 2m 46s
The Black Church is the place where the African American community made their way in society and one they can always call home.
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John Legend Sings "So Good to Me"
S1 - 34s
John Legend showcases his musical talent and deep church roots while singing “So Good To Me.”
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Jesse Jackson and a New Generation of Black Leaders
S1 - 2m 9s
Jesse Jackson challenged Ronald Reagan in his political campaign, embracing the role of a preacher politician. Although his campaign didn’t succeed, Jackson paved the way for a new generation of leaders in the Church and outside of it.
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Inside Look
S1 - 2m
Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discusses the origins of Black church and its continued influence as the spiritual, cultural, and political epicenter of the African American community.
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Current Political Movements and the Traditions of the Church
S1 - 2m 22s
As Black political activism evolves through time, new school activists abandon the institution, but not God.
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Trailer
S1 - 30s
In this intimate four-hour series from executive producer, host, and writer Henry Louis Gates, Jr., we trace how this came to be in the 400 year-old story of the Black church in America, all the way down to its bedrock role as the site of African American survival and endurance, grace and resilience, thriving and testifying, freedom and independence, solidarity and speaking truth to power.
Schedule
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The Black Church
Sunday
Dec 1
3 Hours
The roots of Black religion, from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the ways enslaved Africans preserved and adapted faith practices from slavery to emancipation. -
Image
The Black Church
Monday
Dec 2
3 Hours
The roots of Black religion, from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the ways enslaved Africans preserved and adapted faith practices from slavery to emancipation. -
Image
The Black Church
Monday
Dec 2
3 Hours
The roots of Black religion, from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the ways enslaved Africans preserved and adapted faith practices from slavery to emancipation. -
Image
The Black Church
Monday
Dec 2
3 Hours
The roots of Black religion, from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the ways enslaved Africans preserved and adapted faith practices from slavery to emancipation.
Local Black Church Connections
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