Home #Hwoodtimes Henry Louis Gates Jr. Hosts New PBS Series for Black History Month

Henry Louis Gates Jr. Hosts New PBS Series for Black History Month

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Henry Louis Gates Jr. Hosts New PBS Series for Black History Month
Host of GREAT MIGRATIONS Henry Louis Gates, Jr., with Jeanette Bolden-Pickens, third-generation owner of 27th Street Bakery in South Central Los Angeles. (Image courtesy of McGee Media).

Black History Month Programming for PBS SoCal Kicks Off with GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE, A New Series from Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Four-Part Documentary Series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Premieres January 28, Featuring Local History on Los Angeles’ South Central and Black-Owned Businesses; 19 All-New Specials from AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, AMERICA MASTERS, a New PBS Special Exploring Denzel Washington’s Iconic Career and More!

Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org  and the free PBS App.

Members of PBS SoCal get extended access through PBS Passport.

Los Angeles, Calif. – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS station, announced a specially curated programming lineup of 25 documentaries and specials in February highlighting Black History Month. Headlining this year’s lineup of 19 all-new programs is GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE, a new four-hour docuseries from Emmy® nominated executive producer, host and writer Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The series traces the African American migration throughout the 20th and 21st centuries exploring how these movements have influenced and shaped the nation’s history and identity. From waves of Black Americans and immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean migrating North—and back South— then to the West, including Los Angeles, movement remains a defining aspect of the Black experience. The new series features interviews with journalists, scholars, professors and notable figures including political leader Stacey Abrams, artist George F. Baker III, journalist Charles Blow and more. GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE premieres on Tues., Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 11 and Feb. 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal.

In GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVEDr. Gates traces the journeys of the Black diaspora across generations and cultures. The series begins with “Exodus,” exploring the first wave of the Great Migration when over a million Black Americans fled the Jim Crow South to settle in Northern cities. Musical revolutionaries emerged like trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong to the powerful gospel voice of Mahalia Jackson. The next episode “Streets Paved in Gold” highlights the second wave showcasing vibrant neighborhoods like Los Angeles’ South Central and its thriving Black-owned businesses like 27th Street Bakery which is still in operation today. It also explores Black stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood including Hattie McDaniel who used her platform to advocate for progress in the entertainment industry. Episode three “One Way Ticket Back” examines the reverse migration to the South, driven by economic change and an ongoing fight for freedom. The series concludes with “Coming to America,” celebrating African and Caribbean immigrants like influential political icon Marcus Mosiah Garvey and second-generation Americans like artists Harry Belafonte along with authors of the Harlem Renaissance, Nella Larsen and James Weldon Johnson.

The public is invited to a screening of “Streets Paved in Gold” from the GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE series hosted by 2nd Baptist Church LA on Sunday, February 23 at 1:30p. The screening will be followed by a conversation with historians and cultural experts Lorn FosterAlison Rose Jefferson and Charmaine Jefferson. The screening and conversation will focus on the second wave of Black American migration that occurred in Southern California between the 1940s and 1970s. To learn more about this event, visit http://www.secondbaptistchurchla.org/home.html.

Later in the month, acclaimed PBS documentary series AMERICAN EXPERIENCE commemorates Black History Month with the broadcast of “Forgotten Hero: Walter White and the NAACP.” The film highlights the pivotal work of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the activists who shaped the fight for Black civil rights. While familiar figures like celebrated leaders W.E.B. Du Bois and Thurgood Marshall are featured, the special also shines a light on lesser-known heroes like Walter White, whose profound efforts greatly impacted the future of social justice in the country. AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: “Forgotten Hero: Walter White and the NAACP” premieres on Tues., Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal.

A new documentary special from AMERICAN MASTERS tells the story of beloved jazz virtuoso and screenstar Hazel Scott, one of the most revered TV stars of the early 20th century in “The Disappearance of Miss Scott.” As the first Black American to have her own television show, she was an early civil rights pioneer who faced down the Red Scare at the risk of losing her career and was a champion for equality. Excerpts of Scott’s unpublished autobiography are voiced by Emmy® award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and features archival footage, stills, performance clips, animation and interviews with country star Mickey Guyton, actresses Amanda Seales and Tracie Thoms, jazz musicians Camille Thurman, Jason Moran and Adam Clayton Powell III, Scott’s only son. AMERICAN MASTERS “The Disappearance of Miss Scott” premieres on Fri., Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal.

A new PBS program celebrating Black STEM trailblazers called JOURNEYS OF BLACK MATHEMATICIANS shines a spotlight on prominent Black scholars, scientists and educators while exploring the rich histories and compelling narratives of contemporary Black American mathematicians. The film features 60 remarkable achievers, starting with Edward Bouchet, who became the first African American to earn a graduate degree when he received his doctorate in physics from Yale University in 1876. Interweaving historical stories with the experiences of students in various institutional settings, the special delves into their journeys, challenges and aspirations within the field. JOURNEYS OF BLACK MATHEMATICIANS premieres on Sun., Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus and Tues., Feb. 11 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal.

Over a 30-year career encompassing more than 50 roles, Denzel Washington, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, director and producer, has placed the multifaceted figure of the Black man at the center of America’s paradoxes. From Black activist and rebel soldier to gangster torn between violence and charity, his performances have explored the complexities of identity and power. Recently named the greatest actor of the 21st century by the New York Times, he has risen to the top of American cinema. This documentary examines not only his extraordinary career but also the profound cultural impact, redefining how Black stories and identities are represented in Hollywood and beyond. DENZEL WASHINGTON: AMERICAN PARADOX premieres on Thurs., Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal.

Viewers can also expect relevant encore airings of PBS SoCal’s original, locally produced content authentic to Southern California. This month’s lineup features documentaries from arts and culture series ARTBOUND highlighting influential Black art visionaries in “Black Art: A Brockman Gallery Legacy,” exploring the city’s jazz roots in “The New West Coast Sound: An L.A. Jazz Legacy” and student filmmakers turned activists in “L.A. Rebellion: A Cinematic Movement.”

Reinforcing PBS SoCal’s commitment to sharing diverse and inclusive stories, additional digital content will roll out at pbssocal.org/BlackHistoryMonth exploring the impact of Black History Month and the Black experience in America.

GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE “Exodus” – Tues., Jan. 28 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., Feb. 1 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Explore the first wave of the Great Migration, when more than a million Black Americans fled the Jim Crow South for the promised lands of the North.

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: BEYOND THE MASK – Sun., Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Born to former slaves, writer Paul Laurence Dunbar becomes the first black poet to achieve national recognition.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: “Celebrating Black Americana” – Mon., Feb. 3 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal

Celebrating Black Americana, new appraisal highlights include an 1821 U.S. citizenship certificate for George Barker, a free man of color and an African American beauty book written by Madam C.J. Walker, the first American female millionaire.

FRESH GLASS – Tues., Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Hosted by Cassandra Schaeg, the program is a deep dive into the wine and beer industry with entrepreneurs whose backgrounds and journeys symbolize empowerment, grit and perseverance.

GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE “Streets Paved in Gold” – Tues., Feb. 4 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., Feb. 8 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Learn about the second wave of the Great Migration when Northern and Western Black communities matured through migration and transformed the cultural and political power of Black America.

ARTBOUND: “Black Art: A Brockman Gallery Legacy” – Wed., Feb. 5 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus

The Brockman Gallery in Leimert Park was the center of a community of Black artists from 1967-1990. Founded during the heyday of the Black Arts movement and two years after the Watts uprising, it would go on to feature artists that included Betye Saar, Noah Purifoy and John Outterbridge. The Brockman Gallery ushered in a new era of Black artists, helping them penetrate the mainstream art world.

FIRE ON THE HILL: THE COWBOYS OF SOUTH CENTRAL LA – Wed., Feb. 5 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus

The journey of three Black cowboys from the streets of South Central Los Angeles to the professional rodeo circuit explores both physical and mental aspects of what it means to be a “cowboy” in the modern world.

HOPE IN THE STRUGGLE: THE JOSIE JOHNSON STORY – Sun., Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

A reflection on the life of freedom fighter and civic leader Dr. Josie Johnson, who fought for fair housing, education and civil rights. Hear in her own words how her experiences turned her to activism, what action looks like and how the next generation is taking up the mantle.

JOURNEYS OF BLACK MATHEMATICIANS – Sun., Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus and Tues., Feb. 11 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!

The documentary series explores the contributions of pioneering African Americans in mathematics. Featuring interviews with contemporary Black American researchers and educators who discuss their experiences, struggles and accomplishments.

ARTBOUND: “L.A. Rebellion: A Cinematic Movement” – Wed., Feb. 12 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus

Following the Watts Uprising, UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television enacted affirmative action policies to increase the enrollment of students of color in the film program—a group that had historically been underrepresented in the student population. The “ethno-communications” initiative to recruit students from Black, Asian, Chicano and Native American communities took on a movement of its own, when a critical mass of Black student filmmakers emerged known as the “L.A. Rebellion.”

GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE “One Way Ticket Back” – Tues., Feb. 11 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., Feb. 15 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Explore how the reverse migration of Black Americans to the South—driven by mass movements, economic change and an ongoing struggle for freedom—continued to reshape the country.

FUZZ – Sat., Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!

A courageous leader in the historically Black community of North Nashville, Pastor Enoch Fuzz is fighting for his life as he fights for his community.

TALKING BLACK AMERICA: “Social Justice” – Sun., Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

The Emmy® Award-winning film follows the unique circumstances of the descendants of American slaves and speech varieties from the African American community which reflect the imprint of African language systems and the creativity and resilience of people living through oppression, segregation and the fight for equality. Featuring Reverend Jeremiah Wright, DJ Nabs, Professor Griff, Quest M.C.O.D.Y., Dahlia the Poet, Nicky Sunshine and many others.

GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE “Coming to America” – Tues., Feb. 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sun., Feb. 22 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Hear the story of African and Caribbean immigrants in the United States and examine their profound impact on American culture and what it means to be Black in America.

ARTBOUND: “The New West Coast Sound: An L.A. Jazz Legacy” – Wed., Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus

Growing up amongst jazz legends within the deep musical traditions of Leimert Park, drummer Mekala Session and his peers grapple with how to preserve this rich legacy—striving to carry forward the tenets that took root in the work of Horace Tapscott and his Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. This is the story of Los Angeles’ emerging generation of community-focused Black musicians.

FINDING EDNA LEWIS – Wed., Feb. 19 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Editor Deb Freeman uncovers the life and legacy of Edna Lewis while cooking with different guests who reveal important aspects of her life and legacy

AMERICAN MASTERS: “Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands” – Thurs., Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal

The life and legacy of Marian Anderson, an African American soprano whose international success in the twentieth century overcame racial prejudice.

DENZEL WASHINGTON: AMERICAN PARADOX – Thurs., Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!

Throughout a 30-year-career spanning more than 50 film roles, two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington placed the figure of the Black man in all its complexity at the heart of American paradoxes in drama: from a Black activist and rebel soldier to a gangster torn between violence and charity. Featured clips include his Oscar®-winning roles in “Glory” and “Training Day” along with scenes from “Fences,” “St. Elsewhere,” “Malcolm X” among others.

AMERICAN MASTERS: “The Disappearance of Miss Scott” – Fri., Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Feb. 26 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Jazz virtuoso Hazel Scott champions racial equality before getting caught up in the Red Scare of the 1950s.

RELIGION, RACISM & RECONCILIATION: “Part One” – Sun., Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Part one of the two-part series tells the stories of individuals and communities of faith who are engaged in addressing the issues of systemic racism, such as voting rights, income inequality and mass incarceration.

RELIGION, RACISM & RECONCILIATION: “Part Two” – Sun., Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!

Part two of the series features academic and religious luminaries who provide historical and sociological perspectives where religion can be intertwined and serve as a meaningful force in healing and reconciliation.

“Iron Riders: The Ride Continues” – Mon., Feb. 24 on the PBS SoCal YouTube Channel – New!

Documentary covering the 2022 Buffalo Soldiers Iron Riders Gathering and historical recreation of The U.S. Army Great Cycling Experiment of 1987.

INDEPENDENT LENS: “Bike Vessel” – Mon., Feb. 24 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!

After several health crises, a 70-year-old man embarks on a transformative long-distance cycling trip with his son.

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: “Forgotten Hero: Walter White and the NAACP” – Tues., Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!

The documentary tells the story of the oldest civil rights organization in the country founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and its founders.

AMERICAN JUSTICE ON TRIAL: PEOPLE V. NEWTON – Tues., Feb. 25 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!

Black Panthers co-founder Huey Newton is accused of murdering a white policeman after a car stop in 1967 Oakland. A landmark trial ensues and Newton’s defense team calls out racism in the judicial system.

AMERICAN MASTERS: “Roberta Flack” – Thurs., Feb. 27 at 9:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal

Follow music icon Roberta Flack from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and features interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.

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PBS SoCal uses the power of public media for good, strengthening the civic fabric of Southern California and providing our community with an essential connection to a wider world. As a local, donor/member-supported non-profit organization, PBS SoCal is available to stream on the PBS app and the PBS Kids App and reaches nearly 19M viewers across 7 Broadcast channels — including 2 primary channels, PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus and 5 digital subchannels. With a commitment to make content available anytime and anywhere for free, PBS SoCal offers programming that reflects the diversity of Southern California and showcases the full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS content spanning Education, News, Environment and Arts & Culture. PBS SoCal also sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by bringing bilingual, hands-on learning experiences to the community for free