PBS Celebrates Black History Month



PBS broadcasts programming created by and about African Americans year-round, from public affairs to history, independent film and kids programming. In celebration of Black History Month in February, PBS is broadcasting a lineup of new and encore presentations honoring and exploring African-American history.
In addition to the special programming, PBS KIDS GO! will feature "GO! Figure" facts throughout the month of February. These fun and educational facts will pop up during favorite PBS KIDS GO! Programs: Cyberchase, Arthur, Maya & Miguel and Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman. Online, pbskidsgo.org will feature games and e-cards related to African-American history and the contributions of famous African Americans.

An Evening With Quincy Jones (Broadcast Premier)
Sunday, Feb. 10, 1-2 p.m.
A rare look into the life of music mogul Quincy Jones, this one-hour interview was taped in Washington, DC, in front of an audience. Gwen Ifill interviews and hosts the star-studded evening, which features live performances by Lesley Gore, BeBe Winans, James Ingram, Bobby McFerrin and Herbie Hancock.

Prince Among Slaves
Sunday, Feb. 10, 12 p.m.
This special tells the forgotten true story of an African prince who was enslaved in Mississippi for 40 years before finally achieving freedom and becoming one of the most famous men in America. Mos Def narrates.

Slavery And The Making Of America
Monday-Thursday, Feb. 11-14, 2-3 a.m.
This groundbreaking series chronicles the institution of American slavery from its origins in 1619 - when English settlers in Virginia purchased 20 Africans from Dutch traders - through the arrival of the first 11 slaves in the northern colonies (in Dutch New Amsterdam), the American Revolution, the Civil War, the adoption of the 13th Amendment and Reconstruction. Morgan Freeman narrates.

African American Lives
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 8 -10 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 15, 2-3 a.m.; Friday, Feb. 22, 2-3 a.m.; Friday, Feb. 29, 2-3 a.m.
Renowned scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. takes Alex Haley's Roots saga to a whole new level. Using genealogy and DNA science, Dr. Gates tells the personal stories of eight accomplished African Americans.

Legends of Jazz With Ramsey Lewis: The Piano Masters
Thursday, Feb. 14, 12:30 a.m.
Guests: Dave Brubeck & Dr. Billy Taylor. Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell, Count Basie and Duke Ellington are just some of the piano legends talked about by two living legends themselves, Dave Brubeck and Dr. Billy Taylor.

Spirit of Colorado: It Beats Workin'!
Saturday, Feb. 16, 7:30-8 p.m.
Discover some of Colorado's most unique career opportunities: Leap into the spotlight with Cleo Parker Robinson and her internationally renowned dance ensemble. Keep up with a Denver milkman as he works through the night delivering milk the old-fashioned way.

The Story of Oscar Brown Jr.
Sunday, Feb. 17, 12 p.m.
Denver filmmaker donnie l. betts' documentary focuses on Chicago native Oscar Brown Jr.'s work as a writer and performer for over a half a century. Starting at the tender age of 15 he was a radio performer with the network series "Secret City."

Oprah's Roots: An African American Lives Special
Sunday, Feb. 17, 1-2 p.m.
When "African American Lives" premiered on PBS in February 2006, audiences and critics nationwide were especially drawn to the powerfully moving discussions between renowned scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr., series host and the executive producer and TV pioneer/philanthropist.

Rocky Mountain Legacy: Jazz in Five Points
Monday, Feb. 18, 2-3 a.m.
Jumpin', Jammin', Jivin', and Swingin'! "Jazz in Five Points" celebrates the heritage and the history of Denver's African American community. Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and nearly all the other jazz greats.

Best of Sammy Davis Jr. Live
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2-3 a.m.
The world-renowned entertainer performs a set of timeless classics in this 1985 performance.

Independent Lens: Banished (Broadcast Premier)
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 10-11:30 p.m.
This is the story of three counties that forcefully banished African American families from their towns 100 years ago - and the descendents who return to learn a shocking history. Co-production of ITVS in association with NBPC. By Marco Williams.

Through Martha's Eyes
Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 2-3 a.m.
This film, based in part on historical events, tells the story of Martha, a young African American woman sold into slavery in 1856 to work and live at the Shawnee Mission Indian School in Territorial Kansas.

Bob Marley and the Wailers Live!
Thursday, Feb. 21, 2-3 a.m.
"Bob Marley and the Wailers Live!" features one of the Jamaican superstar's best live performances and showcased a new Wailers line-up:

Meet Mary Pleasant
Sunday, Feb. 24, 1-2 p.m.
"Meet Mary Pleasant", the 19th-century African American woman born a slave who became an international abolitionist, a prosperous entrepreneur, and a civil-rights activist who helped alter modern-day civil rights law.

 

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