The Black Church
An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.”
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.