African American Literature

Presented and written by Henry Louis Gates Jr., this six-hour series guides viewers on a journey across two continents to explore the transition of African-Americans. The series encompasses five centuries of events, visits key sites, and engages in debates with historians and eyewitnesses like school integration pioneers Ruby Bridges and Charlayne Hunter-Gault, former Black Panther Kathleen Neal Cleaver and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

An adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots", in which Haley traces his African American family's history from the mid-18th century to the Reconstruction era.

Members of an African American family living in a cramped Chicago apartment, in this deeply resonant tale of dreams deferred. Following the death of their patriarch, the Youngers await a life insurance check they hope will change their circumstances, but tensions arise over how best to use the money. Based on the play by Lorraine Hansberry.

The story of Celie, a young black girl from the early 20th century in America's deep south, who's forced into a brutal marriage and separated from her sister. We follow her fortunes as she rises from the oppression of her 'Mister', when she is reborn, inspired by the strength and courage of Shug Avery, a glamorous blues singer. Based on the novel by Alice Walker.

Free-spirited Janie Crawford's search for happiness leads her through several different marriages, challenging the mores of her small town. Based on the novel by Zora Neale Hurston.

A fictional account of one amazing night when icons Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown gathered discussing their roles in the Civil Rights Movement and cultural turmoil of the '60s. Based on the stage play by Kemp Powers.

Questlove's music documentary - part music film, part historical record created around an epic event in the summer of 1969 that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) showing largely forgotten footage of some of the most renowned artists who contributed their legacy to shape African American music and culture. Featuring concert performances by Nina Simone, B.B. King, Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight & the Pips, the 5th Dimension and more.