Watch The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song

The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a four-part documentary series from PBS, hosted by renowned scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. The show explores the rich history and cultural significance of the Black church in America, from its origins in slavery to its continuing legacy in the present day. The series features interviews with scholars, pastors, musicians, and activists, as well as archival footage and music.

In the first episode, Gates explores the origins of the Black church in America, dating back to the arrival of African slaves in the 17th century. He examines how the church served as a refuge and a source of strength for enslaved Africans, and how it evolved and adapted over the years to meet the changing needs of the Black community. The episode also explores the role of Black women in the church, and how they have often been the backbone of congregations.

The second episode focuses on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, and the pivotal role that the Black church played in the struggle for racial justice. Gates interviews civil rights leaders and activists like Rev. Jesse Jackson and Andrew Young, as well as musicians like Mavis Staples and John Legend, who reflect on the power of music as a tool for social change. The episode also explores the tension between the church's radical spirit of resistance and its more conservative theological traditions.

In episode three, Gates turns his attention to the role of the Black church in shaping Black culture and identity. He explores the music of the Black church, from spirituals and gospel to jazz and hip-hop, and the ways in which it has inspired and influenced generations of Black musicians. The episode also examines the ways in which the Black church has been a site of cultural resistance, from the Black Arts Movement to Black Lives Matter.

The final episode of the series is perhaps the most moving, as it focuses on the spiritual and emotional power of the Black church. Gates interviews pastors and members of congregations across the country, who speak about the ways in which the Black church has been a source of healing and hope in times of struggle and pain. The episode also explores the ways in which the Black church has intersected with various other spiritual traditions, from African religions to Islam.

Throughout the series, Gates is joined by scholars and experts like Jonathan L. Walton and Barbara D. Savage, who provide historical context and analysis of the themes and issues explored in each episode. The series is not just a celebration of the Black church, but also an honest exploration of its complexities and contradictions, and the challenges that it continues to face in the present day.

Overall, The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a powerful and moving tribute to the endurance and resilience of the Black church, and a testament to its profound impact on American culture and society. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of religion, social justice, and the Black experience in America.

The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between February 16, 2021 and on PBS