The Black Church

Extended Trailer
3m 19s

Explore the 400-year-old story of the black church in America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Trailer
30s

An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Extended Trailer
3m 19s

Explore the 400-year-old story of the black church in America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Gospel Trailer
30s

The Black Church explores the church’s powerful influence.

Inside Look
2m

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discusses the origins of Black church.

First Black Run Institutions
2m 14s

Founded in 1773, this church is one of the first Black run institutions in the U.S.

Fisk Minstrel Show
1m 36s

Originally simple, single melody folk songs spirituals have changed over the generations.

The History Of Black Religion in America
58s

In Georgia, you can find some of the deepest traces of Christianity, as well as Islam.

Rutha Mae Harris’ Music Impact on the Civil Right Movement
52s

Rutha Mae Harris’ music lifted the spirits of those fighting for racial equality.

HBCUs Did the Work of God Through Education
49s

Founded to be seminaries, HBCUs understood themselves to be doing the work of God.

The Rebuilding of the Emanuel A.M.E Church
49s

Reverend Cain started rebuilding Charleston’s staple Black church after it was destroyed.

Al Sharpton Speaks on the Importance of the Black Church
38s

In the first decade after the Civil War, many Black Churches were built across the South.

The Black Church Resists the Changing Culture
1m 11s

As women’s place in society was beginning to change, the Church struggled to accept.

The Man with the Million Dollar Voice
1m

In 1954, Reverend Franklin recorded his popular sermon “The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest.”

The Popularity of Religious Race Records
1m 5s

In the early days of the phonograph, Black music recordings were marketed as Race Records.

The Black Vote Decides U.S. Presidential Elections
55s

Between 1920 and 1960, African Americans were able to demand accountability.

Thurman’s Non-Violent Approach Inspired MLK’s Movement
1m 36s

In 1949, Thurman published “Jesus and the Disinherited,'' promoting non-violence.

Current Political Movements and the Traditions of the Church
2m 22s

As Black political activism evolves, new school activists abandon the church, but not God.

Entertainment’s Place in the Church
1m 46s

In the 1960s, Pentecostal choirs emerged to bring youthful energy back to the Church.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Reflects on the Black Church
2m 46s

The Black Church is the place where the African American made their way in society.

Jesse Jackson and a New Generation of Black Leaders
2m 9s

Jesse Jackson challenged Ronald Reagan and paved the way for a new generation.

John Legend Sings "So Good to Me"
34s

John Legend showcases his musical talent while singing “So Good To Me.”

A Church That Is Welcoming to All
1m 33s

For the Black Church to survive, it must be a place that is welcoming to all.

Jennifer Hudson On the Power of Church
38s

Jennifer Hudson’s first memory of church was on Easter Sunday.

John Legend Credits the Church for His Music Career
26s

John Legend attributes his faith-oriented upbringing to his successful music career.

Prathia Hall’s Inspires MLK’s “I Have A Dream"
1m 14s

Prathia Hall inspired Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

The Black Church Bridges the Divide Through Music
1m 27s

In 1997, Kirk Franklin brought gospel music to the Billboard charts with his song “Stomp.”

The Church as a Place of Refuge
58s

As Black Churches became prominent, white supremacists targeted these sacred places.