Disney’s First Black Animator Tells His Story in HUZ: DRAWN TO LIFE Premiering on PBS SoCal Feb. 12
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Chelsea Grosbeck
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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. – Jan. 15, 2026 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS station, today announced a curated Black History Month programming slate led by the premiere of HUZ: DRAWN TO LIFE, a new documentary spotlighting Ron Husband—the first Black animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Don Hahn (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Howard,” “Waking Sleeping Beauty”), the film traces Husband’s groundbreaking career and creative legacy during a pivotal era in animation history. Premiering at a moment when conversations around representation, mentorship and creative legacy are reshaping the entertainment industry, HUZ: DRAWN TO LIFE anchors PBS SoCal’s Black History Month lineup celebrating artists, activists and cultural leaders whose influence continues to shape American life on screen and beyond. HUZ: DRAWN TO LIFE premieres Thurs., Feb. 12 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Tues., Feb. 24 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus.
"Black History Month is an opportunity not only to reflect on the past, but to spotlight the living legacies that continue to shape our culture,” said Tamara Gould, Chief Content Officer at PBS SoCal. “From animation and music to civil rights and creative collaboration, this year’s slate reflects our commitment to telling stories that deepen understanding and celebrate Black history.”
Throughout February, PBS SoCal presents the latest season of the beloved PBS series FINDING YOUR ROOTS on Tues., Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. Host Emmy-nominated historian Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces family histories of notable Black artists, athletes and cultural figures like basketball stars Brittney Griner and Chris Paul, musician Lizzo, director Spike Lee and more. Immediately following at 9 p.m., Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. also hosts the new four-part documentary series, BLACK AND JEWISH AMERICA: AN INTERWOVEN HISTORY, which explores the rich and complex histories between Black and Jewish Americans throughout the 20th century. The series highlights how shared experiences of racism and rising antisemitism brought the communities together. These connections led to civic partnerships, political activism and creative collaborations in music and film, all of which influenced American popular culture and social change.
Kicking off the month-long lineup, PBS SoCal will highlight stories of activism and the individuals who helped define history. Starting on Mon., Feb. 2 at 10 p.m., BESSIE COLEMAN: QUEEN OF THE SKIES chronicles the story of a pioneering aviator who became the first African American woman to earn an international pilot's license and her determination to overcome both racial and gender barriers in the 1920s. Later in the month on Mon., Feb. 16 at 11 p.m., viewers will also get a chance to learn about a little-known chapter in the Civil Rights Movement in TRIUMPH: TAMPA’S UNTOLD CHAPTER IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. Through firsthand accounts and historical footage, the film tells the story of students in 1960s Florida who challenged segregation to transform their communities and the nation. A new special from AMERICAN MASTERS explores the life and legacy of visionary free-form jazz musician Sun Ra in “Sun Ra: Do the Impossible” on Fri., Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. The documentary special follows the composer’s ever-evolving ensemble, “The Sun Ra Arkestra,” and explores his Afrofuturist philosophy and its role defining modern musical performance.
Reinforcing PBS SoCal’s commitment to sharing diverse and inclusive stories, viewers can find programming and resources which explore the impact of Black History Month and the Black experience in America at pbssocal.org/BlackHistoryMonth.
Select relevant content slated to air is listed as follows (*schedule subject to change):
BESSIE COLEMAN: QUEEN OF THE SKIES – Mon., Feb. 2 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Mon., Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Learn Bessie Coleman's struggle to overcome adversity and realize her dream to fly, becoming the first African American woman to earn her international pilot's license despite the gender and racial discrimination of the 1920s.
HARRIET TUBMAN: VISIONS OF FREEDOM – Mon., Feb. 2 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Go beyond the legend and meet the inspiring woman who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. Born 200 years ago in Maryland, Harriet Tubman was a conductor of the Underground Railroad, a Civil War scout, nurse and spy, and one of the greatest freedom fighters in our nation’s history.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Love & Basketball” – Tues., Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Feb. 4 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the family trees of basketball stars Brittney Griner and Chris Paul, uncovering ancestors who had extraordinary talents.
BLACK AND JEWISH AMERICA: AN INTERWOVEN HISTORY “Let My People Go” – Tues., Feb. 3 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Feb. 4 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Explore the core differences at the start of the Black and Jewish American stories, as well as overlapping struggle, faith, resilience and early civic partnerships by the 1920s.
GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE “Exodus” – Thurs., Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
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.
GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE “Streets Paved with Gold” – Thurs., Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal
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.
HOLLYWOOD’S ARCHITECT: THE PAUL R. WILLIAMS STORY – Thurs., Feb. 5 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Tues., Feb. 24 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Nicknamed “Architect to the Stars,” African American architect Paul R. Williams was one of the most successful architects of his time. Learn how he defied racial barriers using his talent, determination and even charm to create a celebrated body of work.
BLACK AND JEWISH AMERICA: AN INTERWOVEN HISTORY “Strange Fruit” – Tues., Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Feb. 11 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
The second installment explores how Black and Jewish communities in the early 20th century collaborated on music, movies and the fight against fascism, navigating tensions while shaping culture, confronting injustice and leaving a lasting social impact.
ECHOES OF PRAISE: GOSPEL MUSIC IN NY’S CAPITAL REGION – Tues., Feb. 10 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
Explore the legacy of gospel music in New York’s Capital Region. This half-hour documentary is a tribute to an African American art form that has defined the region’s culture through performances, interviews and community stories.
GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE “One Way Ticket Back” – Thurs., Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
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.
GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE “Coming to America” – Thurs., Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal
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.
HUZ: DRAWN TO LIFE – Thurs., Feb. 12 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Tues., Feb. 24 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
An intimate documentary portrait of artist Ron Husband, a quiet trailblazer who became the first Black animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Directed by Emmy® award-winning filmmaker Don Hahn, the film examines creativity, resilience and the enduring power of mentorship.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Westward Bound” – Thurs., Feb. 12 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of talk show host Sara Haines and playwright Tracy Letts from the American west to surprising places back east.
BECOMING FREDERICK DOUGLASS – Mon., Feb. 16 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson explores the role Douglass played in securing the right to freedom for African Americans.
TRIUMPH: TAMPA’S UNTOLD CHAPTER IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT – Mon., Feb. 16 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
A courageous group of Black high school students organized peaceful sit-ins at a downtown lunch counter, sparking a movement that opened restaurants, theaters, pools and beaches to all. Through firsthand accounts and historical footage, the film brings to life the voices of ordinary people who transformed their community—and helped reshape a nation.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Family Harmonies” – Tues., Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Feb. 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of musicians Lizzo and Flea—traveling across the globe to find stories of the ancestors who inspired their work.
BLACK AND JEWISH AMERICA: AN INTERWOVEN HISTORY “The Grand Alliance” – Tues., Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Feb. 18 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
The third installment in the series traces the 1960s’ “Grand Alliance” as Black and Jewish communities fought for civil rights in a transformative interracial coalition, and the imbalances that quickly tested their alliance.
BLACK AND JEWISH AMERICA: AN INTERWOVEN HISTORY “Crossroads” – Tues., Feb. 17 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Feb. 25 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
The final installment examines the shifting Black and Jewish relationship from the 1970s onward, exploring political gains, global tensions, rising hate, and the enduring lessons of coalition building and solidarity.
AMERICAN MASTERS: “Sun Ra: Do the Impossible” – Fri., Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
A journey through Sun Ra's life and music, following his jazz foundations, innovative spirit and ongoing artistic and social pursuits.
KING OF THEM ALL – Fri., Feb. 20 at 10:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
From James Brown’s soul to the Stanley Brothers’ bluegrass, King Records shaped genres that still echo today. Guided by voices like Seymour Stein, Vince Gill and Christian McBride, the film restores a lost legacy.
THE GENNETT SUITE – Fri., Feb. 20 at 11:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music student jazz ensemble plays an original composition honoring the Jazz Age titans such as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, Bix Beiderbecke and Jelly Roll Morton, whose early recordings were produced at Gennett Records.
INDEPENDENT LENS “The Inquisitor” – Mon., Feb. 23 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan, a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Artistic Roots” – Tues., Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of director Spike Lee and actor Kristin Chenoweth, meeting ancestors whose creativity built their families.
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