Extras
Prathia Hall’s Inspires MLK’s “I Have A Dream"
Prathia Hall inspired Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.
Prathia Hall’s Inspires MLK’s “I Have A Dream"
John Legend Credits the Church for His Music Career
John Legend attributes his faith-oriented upbringing to his successful music career.
John Legend Credits the Church for His Music Career
Jennifer Hudson On the Power of Church
Jennifer Hudson’s first memory of church was on Easter Sunday.
Jennifer Hudson On the Power of Church
A Church That Is Welcoming to All
For the Black Church to survive, it must be a place that is welcoming to all.
A Church That Is Welcoming to All
The Church as a Place of Refuge
As Black Churches became prominent, white supremacists targeted these sacred places.
The Church as a Place of Refuge
The Black Church Bridges the Divide Through Music
In 1997, Kirk Franklin brought gospel music to the Billboard charts with his song “Stomp.”
The Black Church Bridges the Divide Through Music
John Legend Sings "So Good to Me"
John Legend showcases his musical talent while singing “So Good To Me.”
John Legend Sings "So Good to Me"
Jesse Jackson and a New Generation of Black Leaders
Jesse Jackson challenged Ronald Reagan and paved the way for a new generation.
Jesse Jackson and a New Generation of Black Leaders
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Reflects on the Black Church
The Black Church is the place where the African American made their way in society.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Reflects on the Black Church
Explore the 400-year-old story of the black church in America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Extended Trailer
Entertainment’s Place in the Church
In the 1960s, Pentecostal choirs emerged to bring youthful energy back to the Church.
Entertainment’s Place in the Church
Current Political Movements and the Traditions of the Church
As Black political activism evolves, new school activists abandon the church, but not God.
Current Political Movements and the Traditions of the Church
Thurman’s Non-Violent Approach Inspired MLK’s Movement
In 1949, Thurman published “Jesus and the Disinherited,'' promoting non-violence.
Thurman’s Non-Violent Approach Inspired MLK’s Movement
The Black Vote Decides U.S. Presidential Elections
Between 1920 and 1960, African Americans were able to demand accountability.
The Black Vote Decides U.S. Presidential Elections
The Popularity of Religious Race Records
In the early days of the phonograph, Black music recordings were marketed as Race Records.
The Popularity of Religious Race Records
The Man with the Million Dollar Voice
In 1954, Reverend Franklin recorded his popular sermon “The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest.”
The Man with the Million Dollar Voice
The Black Church Resists the Changing Culture
As women’s place in society was beginning to change, the Church struggled to accept.
The Black Church Resists the Changing Culture
Al Sharpton Speaks on the Importance of the Black Church
In the first decade after the Civil War, many Black Churches were built across the South.
Al Sharpton Speaks on the Importance of the Black Church
The Rebuilding of the Emanuel A.M.E Church
Reverend Cain started rebuilding Charleston’s staple Black church after it was destroyed.
The Rebuilding of the Emanuel A.M.E Church
HBCUs Did the Work of God Through Education
Founded to be seminaries, HBCUs understood themselves to be doing the work of God.
HBCUs Did the Work of God Through Education
Rutha Mae Harris’ Music Impact on the Civil Right Movement
Rutha Mae Harris’ music lifted the spirits of those fighting for racial equality.