The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross

A More Perfect Union (1968-2013)

After 1968, African Americans set out to build a bright future on the foundation of the civil rights movement’s victories, but a growing class disparity threatened to split the black community. As African Americans won political office across the country and the black middle class made progress, larger economic and political forces isolated the black urban poor.

A More Perfect Union (1968-2013) - Preview

30s

From Black Power to a black president, a look at African American lives after the landmark court case victories.

Previews + Extras

  • Black is Beautiful: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Black is Beautiful

    S1 E6 - 3m

    Black pride is highlighted in the afro hairstyle, the Black is Beautiful message in advertising campaigns, and in Don Cornelius' music and dance program, Soul Train, which brought images of black youth to national television. Musician Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson believes Cornelius used the show's ads to promote Afro-centricity and that the show taught the important lesson of self-love.

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