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The Black Church

All episodes with PBS Passport

The Black Church

All episodes with PBS Passport

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

Episode 2
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Episode 2
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1:49:49
Discover how the Black church expanded to address social inequality.
Members of the Pentecostal church praising the Lord.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:50:09
Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of African American religion.
Cornerstones | The Servant
2:37
The Servant taught others how to serve more deeply, not as a slave, but as a free man.
Cornerstones | The Hymnist
2:40
The Hymnist sang praises to celebrate the soul's salvation and save the body from slavery.
Cornerstones | The Reader
2:20
The Reader risked his life to bring to the Church what should have never been prohibited.
Trailer
0:30
Trailer
An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Extended Trailer
3:19
Explore the 400-year-old story of the black church in America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
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0:30
The Black Church explores the church’s powerful influence.
Inside Look
2:00
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. discusses the origins of Black church.
First Black Run Institutions
2:14
Founded in 1773, this church is one of the first Black run institutions in the U.S.
Fisk Minstrel Show
1:36
Originally simple, single melody folk songs spirituals have changed over the generations.
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0:52
Rutha Mae Harris’ music lifted the spirits of those fighting for racial equality.
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