The dawn of the 20th century was a pivotal period for Black churches socially, musically, economically, and politically. reveals that with freedom on the horizon, independent Black churches helped the formerly enslaved navigate emancipation, the Civil War, and the promise of Reconstruction during this transformational period in American history. Under slavery, the Christian faith provided a way for enslaved people to cope with the brutal and dehumanizing experience of bondage. reveals the historic beginnings of the Black Church. From hush harbors to praise houses to brick-and-mortar structures that stand today, host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. A chorus of leading scholars, ministers, and cultural influencers who grew up in the Black Church will weigh in and give meaning to events past and present.Įnslaved Africans, shipped to the shores of North America, found ways to preserve their culture and beliefs as a way to sustain them through the atrocities of slavery. The series also explores the complexity of these spaces of worship at a time when many believe it is at a crossroads. Christine Fall is the archival producer.The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song, hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr, chronicles the rich history of an institution at the heart of the African American experience.īeginning with enslavement, traveling through Emancipation, Jim Crow, the Great Migration, the Civil Rights movement, and ending in the present-day, Gates takes viewers on a journey through time, focusing on the key events, charismatic figures, political debates, and musical traditions that have shaped, and been shaped by, the Black Church.

Christopher Bryson and Shayla Harris are producer/directors. Holman is the series producer and director. Bill Gardner is the executive in charge for PBS.

Wilson is executive producer in charge for WETA. is the writer, host, and executive producer. is on Facebook, Instagram + on Twitter #BlackChurchPBSĪ production of McGee Media, Inkwell Media and WETA Washington, D.C., in association with Get Lifted.

The app allows you to catch up on recent episodes and discover award-winning shows. Download it for free on your favorite device. With the PBS Video App, you can watch your favorite and local station shows. Learn more and activate your benefit now.Īvailable for purchase on DVD or Blu-Ray at. The series is now available on demand with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Available February 16 wherever books, eBooks, and audiobooks are sold. 'The Black Church' is a powerful new history from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the New York Times-bestselling author of 'Stony the Road' and one of our most important voices on the African-American experience.

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