Black History Month Programming on WETA World

Thursdays at 8 p.m. starting February 1

Series 1’s six episodes cover 1954-1965; and Series 2’s eight episodes explore the years 1965-1985, chronicling the movement in the period from the emergence of Malcolm X to the election of Harold Washington as the first African American mayor of Chicago. The late Julian Bond, political leader and civil rights activist, narrates.

February 2

Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was raised in the crucible of segregated Birmingham but he was forged by its attempt to kill him. When the KKK planted a bomb underneath his bed and he emerged unharmed, he was sure he was saved by God to lead a Movement. His work not only ended legal segregation but lead directly to the Civil and Voting Rights Acts - and inspired freedom movements around the world.

Saturdays, February 3 & 10

This illuminating 2021 documentary series traces the 400-year-old history and culture of the Black church in America. The WETA co-production spotlights the central role of faith and spirituality in the African American community, and explores faith communities on the frontlines of hope and change.

February 3

The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story chronicles the life and career of African American Drake University football player Johnny Bright who, as a walk on at Drake University in 1949, smashed college football records during his sophomore and junior years. In 1951, his college career abruptly ended from an act of violence during his senior year. Bright's story is one of resilience. The documentary explores how he overcame racial obstacles to carve out his own path in life to become a Hall of Fame athlete and award-winning educator.

February 5

Explore the life and legacy of one of the most significant African American leaders of the Reconstruction Era. White served in the US Congress from 1887 to 1901. The documentary offers insight into White’s groundbreaking accomplishments as a politician and civil rights leader.

February 7

50 years after Black and white students from different parts of Wisconsin came together to perform a play about race relations during the Civil Rights Movement, the original performers reunite to reflect and watch as a new generation reprises their performance of Martin Duberman's “In White America.”

February 7

At his 30th high school reunion filmmaker Pablo Miralles questions what has happened to his once integrated public high school in Pasadena, CA. Interviewing past and present teachers and students, Miralles begins to understand how perceptions and policies have created almost insurmountable challenges to maintaining well-funded and diverse public schools. (The school is known for having famous alum such as Jackie Robinson, David Lee Roth, Octavia Butler and Rodney King.)

February 12

In 1864, the powerful industrialist and engineer George Pullman brought luxury to overnight train travel with his revolutionary sleeping cars. Passengers aboard these rail cars were served by former slaves who became known as Pullman Porters and Maids. Pullman soon established a company town for employees on Chicago's South Side, giving him complete autonomy over every aspect of their lives. Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion: American Stories recounts the bloody rebellion that followed as Pullman's workers fought for their independence.

February 12

The Niagara Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights is a one-hour documentary focused on the formation and impact of the first civil rights movement of the 20th century. The program traces the social and economic conditions of African Americans at the turn of the 20th century, examines the different strategies for racial advancement led by Black leaders of the time, explores the creation of the Niagara Movement, and places the movement's legacy into a contemporary context.

February 14

The accidental discovery of the significant history of a modest dwelling on a traditionally African American street in Hagerstown, Maryland is used to trace the roots of middle America’s racial, economic and social interactions. Through the lens of this house, the rise and fall of the African American community in small rust belt towns and cities across America is told. 

February 14

The Black Fire Documentary uncovers Washington, DC’s music and cultural heritage by highlighting the music, message, and art of the people behind Black Fire Records — a Black-owned independent jazz record label started in Chocolate City, aka the nation’s capital in the 1970s.

February 18

In 1967, inner city Pittsburgh produced America’s first EMT service. Comprised solely of Black men and women recruited from the city’s Hill District neighborhood, the paramedics of Freedom House Ambulance became trailblazers in providing pre-hospital and CPR care. Freedom House Ambulance: The First Responders explores the rise and fall of Freedom House Ambulance.

February 19

Through interviews with family, friends and devoted fellow musicians of all ages, Wham Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham follows the musical journey of this often overlooked, but totally unique, musical genius.

February 19

Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery is an hour-long documentary tracing the life and career of legendary jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. Told intimately through his son Robert's own journey of discovery, the program explores Wes' early years in Indiana, his rise to fame with the Lionel Hampton Big Band, his notable solo career, and his tragic death at age 45. 

February 21

A scrappy group of women and LGBTQ+ journalists buck the white-male-dominated status quo, banding together to launch The 19th, a digital news startup aiming to combat misinformation and include the voices often left out of the American story.

February 23

Where I Became traces the story of 14 women who left apartheid in South Africa to attend Smith College in the U.S. The film, narrated in their own voices and filmed between South Africa and the U.S., follows their stories from childhood to discovering themselves through the power of higher education.

February 24

The Dream Whisperer reveals how the team from a small, historically Black college triumphed over intense adversity and shares how, 60 years later, their captain refused to let their forgotten legacy die.

February 26

Bridging the Divide follows artist Jade Warrick as she installs murals throughout Hoosick Street Bridge's surface area to transform and beautify the space and help unify a city.

February 29

For more than 20 years, artist and activist Robert Shetterly has painted a collection of more than 250 portraits entitled "Americans Who Tell the Truth." Shetterly uses his art to explore these activists' responses to some of the most pressing issues of our time.