The Black Church
An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
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Originally simple, single melody folk songs spirituals have changed over the generations.
Originally simple, single melody folk songs spirituals have changed over the generations.
First Black Run Institutions
Founded in 1773, this church is one of the first Black run institutions in the U.S.
Founded in 1773, this church is one of the first Black run institutions in the U.S.
Thurman’s Non-Violent Approach Inspired MLK’s Movement
In 1949, Thurman published “Jesus and the Disinherited,'' promoting non-violence.
In 1949, Thurman published “Jesus and the Disinherited,'' promoting non-violence.
The History Of Black Religion in America
In Georgia, you can find some of the deepest traces of Christianity, as well as Islam.
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
Rutha Mae Harris’ music lifted the spirits of those fighting for racial equality.
Rutha Mae Harris’ music lifted the spirits of those fighting for racial equality.
HBCUs Did the Work of God Through Education
Founded to be seminaries, HBCUs understood themselves to be doing the work of God.
Founded to be seminaries, HBCUs understood themselves to be doing the work of God.
The Rebuilding of the Emanuel A.M.E Church
Reverend Cain started rebuilding Charleston’s staple Black church after it was destroyed.
Reverend Cain started rebuilding Charleston’s staple Black church after it was destroyed.
Al Sharpton Speaks on the Importance of the Black Church
In the first decade after the Civil War, many Black Churches were built across the South.
In the first decade after the Civil War, many Black Churches were built across the South.
The Black Church Resists the Changing Culture
As women’s place in society was beginning to change, the Church struggled to accept.
As women’s place in society was beginning to change, the Church struggled to accept.
The Man with the Million Dollar Voice
In 1954, Reverend Franklin recorded his popular sermon “The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest.”
In 1954, Reverend Franklin recorded his popular sermon “The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest.”
The Popularity of Religious Race Records
In the early days of the phonograph, Black music recordings were marketed as Race Records.
In the early days of the phonograph, Black music recordings were marketed as Race Records.
The Black Vote Decides U.S. Presidential Elections
Between 1920 and 1960, African Americans were able to demand accountability.
Between 1920 and 1960, African Americans were able to demand accountability.
Prathia Hall’s Inspires MLK’s “I Have A Dream"
Prathia Hall inspired Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.
Prathia Hall inspired Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.
Current Political Movements and the Traditions of the Church
As Black political activism evolves, new school activists abandon the church, but not God.
As Black political activism evolves, new school activists abandon the church, but not God.
Entertainment’s Place in the Church
In the 1960s, Pentecostal choirs emerged to bring youthful energy back to the Church.
In the 1960s, Pentecostal choirs emerged to bring youthful energy back to the Church.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Reflects on the Black Church
The Black Church is the place where the African American made their way in society.
The Black Church is the place where the African American made their way in society.
Jesse Jackson and a New Generation of Black Leaders
Jesse Jackson challenged Ronald Reagan and paved the way for a new generation.
Jesse Jackson challenged Ronald Reagan and paved the way for a new generation.
John Legend Sings "So Good to Me"
John Legend showcases his musical talent while singing “So Good To Me.”
John Legend showcases his musical talent while singing “So Good To Me.”
The Black Church Bridges the Divide Through Music
In 1997, Kirk Franklin brought gospel music to the Billboard charts with his song “Stomp.”
In 1997, Kirk Franklin brought gospel music to the Billboard charts with his song “Stomp.”
The Church as a Place of Refuge
As Black Churches became prominent, white supremacists targeted these sacred places.
As Black Churches became prominent, white supremacists targeted these sacred places.
A Church That Is Welcoming to All
For the Black Church to survive, it must be a place that is welcoming to all.
For the Black Church to survive, it must be a place that is welcoming to all.
Jennifer Hudson On the Power of Church
Jennifer Hudson’s first memory of church was on Easter Sunday.
Jennifer Hudson’s first memory of church was on Easter Sunday.
John Legend Credits the Church for His Music Career
John Legend attributes his faith-oriented upbringing to his successful music career.
John Legend attributes his faith-oriented upbringing to his successful music career.
Cornerstones | The Reader
The Reader risked his life to bring to the Church what should have never been prohibited.
The Reader risked his life to bring to the Church what should have never been prohibited.
Cornerstones | The Hymnist
The Hymnist sang praises to celebrate the soul's salvation and save the body from slavery.
The Hymnist sang praises to celebrate the soul's salvation and save the body from slavery.
Cornerstones | The Servant
The Servant taught others how to serve more deeply, not as a slave, but as a free man.
The Servant taught others how to serve more deeply, not as a slave, but as a free man.