Skip to main content
"The Black Church" Key Art.

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 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 this show and many more anytime, anywhere on the free PBS App.

Stream to your TV
Support Provided By
HBCUs Did the Work of God Through Education
0:49
Founded to be seminaries, HBCUs understood themselves to be doing the work of God.
The Popularity of Religious Race Records
1:05
In the early days of the phonograph, Black music recordings were marketed as Race Records.
The Black Church Resists the Changing Culture
1:11
As women’s place in society was beginning to change, the Church struggled to accept.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Reflects on the Black Church
2:46
The Black Church is the place where the African American made their way in society.
Jesse Jackson and a New Generation of Black Leaders
2:09
Jesse Jackson challenged Ronald Reagan and paved the way for a new generation.
Entertainment’s Place in the Church
1:46
In the 1960s, Pentecostal choirs emerged to bring youthful energy back to the Church.
The Black Vote Decides U.S. Presidential Elections
0:55
Between 1920 and 1960, African Americans were able to demand accountability.
John Legend Credits the Church for His Music Career
0:26
John Legend attributes his faith-oriented upbringing to his successful music career.
Current Political Movements and the Traditions of the Church
2:22
As Black political activism evolves, new school activists abandon the church, but not God.
Prathia Hall’s Inspires MLK’s “I Have A Dream"
1:14
Prathia Hall inspired Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.
Thurman’s Non-Violent Approach Inspired MLK’s Movement
1:36
In 1949, Thurman published “Jesus and the Disinherited,'' promoting non-violence.
Al Sharpton Speaks on the Importance of the Black Church
0:38
In the first decade after the Civil War, many Black Churches were built across the South.
Active loading indicator