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An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song explores 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.

Watch • 0:26
The Black Church
John Legend Credits the Church for His Music Career
John Legend attributes his faith-oriented upbringing to his successful music career.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:26
Watch • 1:14
The Black Church
Prathia Hall’s Inspires MLK’s “I Have A Dream"
Prathia Hall inspired Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.
Clip: S1 E2 | 1:14
Watch • 0:38
The Black Church
Jennifer Hudson On the Power of Church
Jennifer Hudson’s first memory of church was on Easter Sunday.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:38
THE BLACK CHURCH: THIS IS OUR STORY, THIS IS OUR SONG is a production of McGee Media, Inkwell Films and WETA Washington, DC. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Dyllan McGee are executive producers. John Wilson is executive producer in charge for WETA. Stacey Holman is the series producer and director. Christopher Bryson and Shayla Harris are producers/directors. Corporate support is provided by Johnson & Johnson. Major funding is also provided by the Lilly Endowment; the Ford Foundation; and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS.
Latest Episodes
Watch • 1:49:49
The Black Church
Episode 2
Discover how the Black church expanded to address social inequality.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:49:49
Watch • 1:50:09
The Black Church
Episode 1
Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of African American religion.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:50:09
Extras
Watch • 1:33
The Black Church
A Church That Is Welcoming to All
For the Black Church to survive, it must be a place that is welcoming to all.
Clip: S1 E2 | 1:33
Watch • 1:27
The Black Church
The Black Church Bridges the Divide Through Music
In 1997, Kirk Franklin brought gospel music to the Billboard charts with his song “Stomp.”
Clip: S1 E2 | 1:27
Watch • 0:58
The Black Church
The Church as a Place of Refuge
As Black Churches became prominent, white supremacists targeted these sacred places.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:58
Watch • 2:46
The Black 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.
Clip: S1 E2 | 2:46
Watch • 2:09
The Black Church
Jesse Jackson and a New Generation of Black Leaders
Jesse Jackson challenged Ronald Reagan and paved the way for a new generation.
Clip: S1 E2 | 2:09
Watch • 0:34
The Black Church
John Legend Sings "So Good to Me"
John Legend showcases his musical talent while singing “So Good To Me.”
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:34
Watch • 2:22
The Black Church
Current Political Movements and the Traditions of the Church
As Black political activism evolves, new school activists abandon the church, but not God.
Clip: S1 E2 | 2:22
Watch • 1:46
The Black Church
Entertainment’s Place in the Church
In the 1960s, Pentecostal choirs emerged to bring youthful energy back to the Church.
Clip: S1 E2 | 1:46
Watch • 0:30
The Black Church
Trailer
An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Preview: S1 | 0:30
Watch • 3:19
The Black Church
Extended Trailer
Explore the 400-year-old story of the black church in America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Preview: S1 | 3:19
Specials
Watch • 2:40
The Black Church
Cornerstones | The Hymnist
The Hymnist sang praises to celebrate the soul's salvation and save the body from slavery.
Special: 2:40
Watch • 2:20
The Black Church
Cornerstones | The Reader
The Reader risked his life to bring to the Church what should have never been prohibited.
Special: 2:20
Watch • 2:37
The Black Church
Cornerstones | The Servant
The Servant taught others how to serve more deeply, not as a slave, but as a free man.
Special: 2:37
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