Black History

Musician’s Green Book: An Enduring Legacy • WXXI-TV

Dive into stories from the era of a segregated America and see how Black art found a way to thrive even in the pits of racial disparity.

Musician’s Green Book: An Enduring Legacy airs Tuesday, September 3 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Explore the stories and music of Black artists who relied on an underground travel guide to navigate the injustices of racial segregation while on the road. The Negro Travelers’ Green Book was a directory of lodgings, restaurants and entertainment venues where African Americans were welcomed. Features performances and interviews with vocalists, musicians, activists, historians and others.

Prelude: The Legacy of Garth Fagan Dance • WXXI-TV

Explore the life and career of Tony award winning choreographer Garth Fagan and meet three of his long-time disciples, who are now tasked with bringing his technique and legacy to the next generation.

Prelude: The Legacy of Garth Fagan Dance airs Friday, June 28 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

PRELUDE l The Legacy of Garth Fagan Dance takes you on a journey through the twists and turns of the Tony award-winning choreographer’s storied, collaborative, and prolific career. The WXXI production also looks at three of Mr. Fagan’s long-time disciples – William J. Ferguson II, Natalie Rogers-Cropper, and Norwood Pennewell – who are now tasked with bringing his technique and legacy to the next generation. Through an immersive, cutting-edge documentary film style, PRELUDE reveals the many facets of Garth Fagan.

In celebration of 50 years of Garth Fagan Dance, the hour-long documentary explores the experiences that make up this Jamaican-American dance treasure and his work. Through Mr. Fagan’s own words, PRELUDE sheds light on how he was able to build a multi-cultural dance company that incorporates African-American, Jamaican, and American dance styles into a whole new dance technique.

Mr. Fagan’s choreography was launched into the spotlight in 1997 in Julie Taymor’s Broadway production of The Lion King, and PRELUDE reflects on what that experience meant to the choreographer and his close collaborators. Using archival video of rehearsals, performances, and interviews shot throughout the last 50 years, the film looks at the evolution of the virtuoso and his company of dancers who shared his vision and mastered his technique.

Interviews with The Lion King director Julie Taymor, Kennedy Center award-winning dancer Judith Jameson, SUNY Brockport Dancer Professor Emeritus Jacquie Davis, and many others provide a multifaceted view of all stages of Fagan’s illustrious career and a look at the next generation of Garth Fagan Dance.

Produced by WXXI and distributed by American Public Television.

Photo: (L-R) Natalie Rogers-Cropper, William J. Ferguson II, Norwood Pennewell with Garth Fagan (center, seated)
Credit: Jason Milton

Someday, Will We Ever Be Free? Juneteenth with Opal Lee • WXXI News (FM 105.9)

The grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee shares her perspective on the commercialization of this cultural event after she paved the way for it to become a federal holiday.

Someday, Will We Ever Be Free? Juneteenth with Opal Lee airs Wednesday, June 19 at 1 p.m. on WXXI News (FM 105.9)

Many view Juneteenth as a celebration for slaves in Texas who finally received word on June 19, 1865, that they were free. But it took more than two years for that news to reach the ears of those enslaved after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. While it took several more months for slavery to be abolished in 1865, a system known as convict leasing had emerged in southern states where Blacks were forced into unpaid labor. Historians note that these factors, along with ongoing research, provide evidence of how slavery played a major role in building this nation’s economy. Moreover, some experts argue that slavery – mixed with a host of other discriminatory economic practices like redlining and segregation – contribute to an already large racial wealth gap that continues to grow even wider. Complicating matters, state lawmakers have proposed legislation that attempts to regulate how teachers and educators can discuss those histories in classrooms across the country.

On this edition, “I SEE U” takes a provocative look at Juneteenth. We invite the renowned schoolteacher and counselor who was the driving force in making Juneteenth a national holiday, 95-year-old Opal Lee. We also examine the commercialization of this holiday and what efforts are needed for progress with an unguarded chat with Morgan State University’s journalism professor, Jared Ball, Ph.D.; and President/CEO of Center of Black Equity in Washington, D.C., Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr.

How Black People Built American Democracy: A Juneteenth Celebration • WXXI News (FM 105.9)

The promise of American democracy could not be fulfilled until all Americans were free.

How Black People Built American Democracy: A Juneteenth Celebration airs Wednesday, June 19 at 12 p.m. on WXXI News (FM 105.9)

Following the moment of Black liberation marked by Juneteenth, Black Americans began the ongoing project of securing and protecting their rights to vote, and to lead. This Juneteenth, join “Notes From America with Kai Wright” to trace the lineage of our democracy being actualized to the period after emancipation, when political leadership like that of Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan emerged and began to shape the potential and the power of the Black vote on our nation. Recorded live at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church – a historically Black house of worship in Houston where Jordan was a member – host Wright and Jordan biographer Mary Ellen Curtin explore the legacy of the first Black woman elected to the Texas senate after Reconstruction. They also discuss how Black voters continue to shape politics in an election year that’s crucial to the sustainability of our democracy.

Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock and Roll • On-Demand

Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard.

Watch On-Demand through 7/20/2024: American Masters – Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock and Roll

American Masters – Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll explores the music icon’s influence and advocacy for the rights of Black artists and features interviews with Keith Richards, Ringo Starr, Big Freedia and more.

A fearless pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll who broke the color barrier in the 1950s with hits like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally,” Little Richard defined a genre and inspired generations by defying societal expectations. Charting the meteoric rise of the artist who counted The Beatles and the Rolling Stones as his opening acts, American Masters – Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll provides an intimate exploration of the renowned, electrifying and multifaceted individual.

All New Rock, Pop and Doo Wop • WXXI-TV

Enjoy this full-length performances from various artists of the 1950s and 1960s.

All New Rock, Pop and Doo Wop airs Friday, June 7 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Johnny Maestro, The Duprees, Jay Black, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Ronnie Spector, Frankie Valli, Jerry Butler and more perform in this “My Music Presents” special.

Provided by PBS

Colorism in America On-Demand

Our Time: Colorism in America -Shade & Out of Our Heads: Racial stereotyping has a long and insidious history in the U.S. While gains in civil rights have increased significantly, younger generations continue to perpetuate harmful labels, often subtle ones, that undermine people of color. Filmmakers take on the current monikers of colorism and challenge white norms that pervade our society.

Available to watch by 5/26/25

The Porter • Thursdays at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV

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