Juneteenth marks a powerful turning point in American history – the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Since the late 1800s, African American communities have honored June 19 as a celebration of liberation, perseverance and cultural heritage. This month, Arkansas PBS invites you to join in that celebration with compelling programming that honors the stories, struggles and triumphs of Black Americans – past and present.
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.
Black Ancestry
“Finding Your Roots: Rising from the Ashes” – Henry Louis Gates Jr. traces the roots of actors Brian Cox and Viola Davis – two people who overcame traumatic childhoods, revealing that they aren’t the first in their families to overcome odds. From workhouses in Scotland to slave plantations in South Carolina, long-lost records reveal the stories of ancestors who laid the groundwork for Brian and Viola’s success by fighting so hard to survive.
“NOVA: Lee and Liza's Family Tree” – With the help of scientists and genealogists, filmmaker Byron Hurt and his family members search for their ancestors. Follow their journey as they hunt for new details of a history long obscured by the enduring legacy of slavery.
Only on Passport:
“Finding Your Roots: The Brick Wall Falls”
“Great Migrations: A People on the Move”
The Black Church
“Gospel” – The latest history series from Henry Louis Gates Jr. digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song.
“Gospel Live!” – Presented by Henry Louis Gates Jr., this concert celebrates the legacy of Gospel music in America. As a companion to “Gospel,” hosted by Gates, secular and gospel artists sing their favorite gospel classics.
Prominent Historical Figures
"Becoming Fredrick Douglass" – Discover how a man born into slavery became one of the most influential voices for democracy in American history. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson explores the role Douglass played in securing the right to freedom for African Americans.
“Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom” – Go beyond the legend, and meet the inspiring woman who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. Born 200 years ago in Maryland, Harriet Tubman was a conductor of the Underground Railroad, a Civil War scout, nurse and spy, and one of the greatest freedom fighters in our nation’s history.
“Making Black America: Through the Grapevine” – This four-part series hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. chronicles the vast social networks and organizations created by and for Black people. Gates sits with noted scholars, politicians, cultural leaders and old friends to discuss this world behind the color line and what it looks like today.
Only on Passport:
“Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts”
“Poetry in America: Phillis Wheatley: To the University”
Historical Significance
“Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten” – Learn about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre on the 100th anniversary of the crime, and how the community of Tulsa is coming to terms with its past, present and future.
Only on Passport:
“Civil War 1861: The Cause”
“Civil War 1862: A Very Bloody Affair/Forever Free”
“How the Monuments Came Down”
“Slavery by Another Name”
“Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson”
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.