Watch Historians on Civil Rights

Historians on Civil Rights is a documentary series produced by MacNeil/Lehrer Productions in 2003. The series explores the history of the United States Civil Rights Movement through the perspective of leading historians in the field. By delving into the past and examining pivotal events that occurred during the movement, the series provides a deep understanding of the social, political, and cultural factors that contributed to the transformation of American society.

The series features six hour-long episodes that examine key moments in the Civil Rights Movement. The first episode, "The Montgomery Bus Boycott," explores the actions of Rosa Parks and the subsequent boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, which is widely considered the catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. The second episode, "The Sit-In Movement," looks at the student-led sit-in movement that began in Greensboro, North Carolina. This episode focuses on the role of young people in the Civil Rights Movement and their ability to effect change.

The third episode, "The Freedom Riders," examines the efforts of civil rights activists who challenged the segregation of interstate travel. The fourth episode, "Birmingham," explores the role of Birmingham, Alabama, as a crucial location in the Civil Rights Movement. This episode examines the actions of local activists and the violent response of white officials to their peaceful protests.

The fifth episode, "The March on Washington," explores the historic March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. This episode examines the importance of coalition-building and the role of King in the Civil Rights Movement. The final episode, "Civil Rights Legislation," focuses on the legislative efforts to secure equal rights for African Americans, culminating in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Throughout the series, historians provide insightful commentary on the events and people that shaped the Civil Rights Movement. Their expertise reveals the complexities of the movement, uncovering lesser-known moments and characters who contributed to its success.

The series also incorporates archival footage, photographs, and interviews with participants in the Civil Rights Movement. These elements provide a vivid portrayal of the time period and bring the struggles and triumphs of the movement to life.

By exploring the Civil Rights Movement through the lens of historians, the series provides a comprehensive view of the movement's history and significance. It offers a nuanced understanding of the struggles and achievements of those who fought for equal rights and raises important questions about the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States.

Overall, Historians on Civil Rights is a thought-provoking and informative documentary series that provides a unique perspective on the Civil Rights Movement. It offers a deep dive into the challenges and successes of the movement and highlights the role of historians in understanding its complex history.

Historians on Civil Rights is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between September 25, 1997 and on MacNeil/Lehrer Productions