The Black Church has been the cornerstone of black communities. Serving those who worship and also providing solace to those in need of assistance. The ever changing dynamic of how the black church played a role in major happenings within the black community such as protests for civil rights, elections and even down to how we worship. Music also being a focal point as secular music has taken its cues from gospel. Even laying the foundation of many of the musical styles such as Country, Rock, R&B and Blues. This series is sure to open eyes to how the black church has been a pivotal part of African American history and future.
In intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song will explore the 400-year-old story of the black church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherded them from the pulpit, the choir loft, and church pews. Premiering February 16th and 17th on PBS.
The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a moving four-hour, two-part series from executive producer, host and writer Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard University and director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, that traces 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 grace, organizing and resilience, thriving and testifying, autonomy and freedom, solidarity and speaking truth to power.
The documentary reveals how Black people have worshipped and, through their spiritual journeys, improvised ways to bring their faith traditions from Africa to the New World, while translating them into a form of Christianity that was not only truly their own, but a redemptive force for a nation whose original sin was found in their ancestors’ enslavement across the Middle Passage.
A production of McGee Media, Inkwell Media and WETA Washington, D.C, in association with Get Lifted. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is writer, host, and executive producer. Dyllan McGee is executive producer. John Legend, Ty Stiklorius and Mike Jackson are executive producers for Get Lifted Co. John F. Wilson is executive producer in charge for WETA. Bill Gardner is executive in charge for PBS. Stacey L. Holman is series producer and director. Shayla Harris and Christopher Bryson are producer/directors. Deborah C. Porfido is supervising producer. Kevin Burke is producer. Robert L. Yacyshyn is line producer. Christine Fall is archival producer.
Visit www.pbs.org/weta/black-church/ to learn more.
