Black History

Inspired by real events and set in the 1920s, follow an ensemble of characters who hustle, dream, cross borders and pursue their ambitions in the fight for liberation – on and off the railways that crossed North America.

The Porter airing Thursdays, February 6-March 27 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

This eight-episode series is a stirring, fast-paced exploration of Black empowerment and self-determination, offering a dramatic and compelling look at the lives of train porters, their families, and a community striving for success and equality. From Montreal to Chicago, and every stop in between, THE PORTER is the story of a movement that gave birth to the first Black union in the world. Winning a record-setting 12 Canadian Screen Awards, the series stars Aml Ameen (Sense8; The Maze Runner), Ronnie Rowe (Star Trek: Discovery), Alfre Woodard (St. Elsewhere; Luke Cage; 12 Years A Slave; Black Panther), and Mouna Traoré (The Umbrella Academy).

Episode Descriptions:

Episode One • February 6 : Train porters and best friends Junior Massey and Zelenskiy Garrett are galvanized to take different—and dangerous—actions after a tragedy occurs on the job.

Episode Two • February 13 : Junior finds himself in debt to notorious Chicago gangster Miss Queenie; Zeke takes a risk to advance his cause; Lucy’s new relationship impacts her career; Marlene makes an unlikely friend.

Episode Three • February 20 : Junior starts a gambling sideline backed by Queenie; Zeke’s pursuit of union integration costs the community; Lucy finds her Stardust dream at risk; Marlene campaigns for an essential medical clinic.

Episode Four • February 27: Junior gets a chilling glimpse at Queenie’s capacity for violence. Zeke and Marlene’s road-trip reignites an old spark. Lucy’s big debut as a featured performer makes her contemplate a different path.

Episode Five • March 6: Queenie tries to keep Junior close. Fay offers Marlene some help for her clinic. Zeke’s proximity to Edwards leads to a devastating truth. Lucy may have found her ticket to the big time.

Episode Six • March 13: Junior takes a risky new angle on Queenie’s numbers game. Marlene’s split focus leads to a mother’s worst nightmare. Zeke seizes an opportunity to show the power of unity. Lucy bets on herself.

Episode Seven • March 20 : Dinger blackmails Junior. A brothel raid puts Marlene and her clinic in jeopardy. Zeke leverages an unlikely ally to put integration to a vote. Lucy’s new shot at stardom could cost her everything.

Episode Eight • March 27: Junior tries to eliminate his greatest threats; Marlene’s efforts to reconcile with Fay could be too late; Lucy faces the consequences of her betrayal; Zeke makes a final plea for union integration.

Photo: Ronnie Rowe, Jr. as Zeke and Ami Ameen as Junior with additional cast. • Credit: Shauna Towney

Starring Leslie Odom Jr., this comedic play tells the story of a Black preacher’s scheme to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church from a plantation owner.

Great Performances: Purlie Victorious airs Friday, May 24 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Play, the Emmy-winning performing arts series Great Performances announces the addition of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch to its Broadway’s Best lineup in May. Starring Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr.—newly Tony nominated for his performance in the play along with his co-star Kara Young—Great Performances: Purlie Victorious the revival of Ossie Davis’ groundbreaking 1961 play also received 2024 Tony Award nominations for Best Direction of a Play (Kenny Leon), Best Costume Design of a Play (Emilio Sosa), and Best Scenic Design of a Play (Derek McLane).

The comedic play tells the story of a Black preacher’s scheme to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church from a plantation owner. Written by Kennedy Center honoree Ossie Davis with direction by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (“A Raisin in the Sun”), this first Broadway revival was recorded live at the Music Box Theatre on January 24-26, 2024. Purlie Victorious made its original debut on Broadway in 1961 and starred Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Alan Alda, Godfrey Cambridge, Sorrell Booke and Beah Richards. 

Photo: Leslie Odom Jr. • Credit: Marc J. Franklin

 Renowned actor, dancer, and singer Dulé Hill explores the power of the arts.

The Express Way with Dulé Hill airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m., April 23- on WXXI-TV.

The series captures diverse artists’ stories from across America, celebrating community, humanity, and the transformative potential of creative expression. Each episode serves as a bridge, connecting diverse backgrounds and celebrating the universal power of the arts to illuminate the human experience. The journey begins in California, a state synonymous with dreams, where Dulé uncovers a narrative beyond the surface.

Engaging with individuals using art to reshape personal and communal stories, Dulé encounters the extraordinary Shaheem Sanchez, a deaf dancer challenging stereotypes and proving that the rhythm of life transcends auditory limitations. Moving to San Francisco, Dulé introduces us to the Grant Avenue Follies, a cabaret of spirited senior citizens led by Cynthia Yee. In Los Angeles, Dulé delves into the LGBTQ+ mariachi revolution with Carlos Sameniego, founder of Mariachi Arcoiris. Overcoming machismo culture, Carlos, along with trans woman Natalia, creates a safe space for LGBTQ+ musicians. California airs Tuesday, April 23 at 9 p.m.

Shifting to the Appalachian region, Dulé connects with artists using music as a force for upliftment. Doug Naselroad’s Culture of Recovery program in Kentucky exemplifies the transformative power of art, guiding individuals recovering from opioid addiction to craft stringed instruments. Grammy-nominated bluegrass musician Amythyst Kiah in Tennessee and “latin-grass” artist Joe Troop in North Carolina illustrate the diversity and resilience of the region’s artistic landscape. Appalachia airs Tuesday, April 30 at 9 p.m.

In Houston, Abuela M’api Rainflowa shares the Mexica handshake, revealing her indigenous roots. In Dallas, David Lozano uses daring theatrical productions at Cara Mía Theatre to amplify the Latino experience, while John Bramblitt, a blind painter in Denton, guides others with blindness to reclaim their artistic abilities. Through these captivating Texas tales, Dulé Hill unveils the sacrifice and strength required to become a guiding light for one’s community. Texas airs Tuesday, May 7 at 9 p.m.

In Chicago, Dulé confronts the dualities of art and activism. Engaging with the Andre Theatre Collective on the South Side, he explores the roots of crime in Black communities through a play written by incarcerated playwrights. Vershawn Sanders Ward, through Red Clay Dance, addresses issues like food inequality, while Bassel Almadani uses music to raise awareness about the Syrian civil war and refugee crisis. Chicago airs Tuesday, May 14 at 9 p.m.