“Making Black America: Through the Grapevine” Premieres Tuesday, Oct. 4, 9 p.m. on PBS Stations Nationwide
PBS, in partnership with WETA, is proud to present “MAKING BLACK AMERICA: THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE.” This four-part series is from executive producer, host and writer Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (“Finding Your Roots”), premieres Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 9 p.m. on PBS stations nationwide.
In this latest series from the acclaimed Harvard scholar and documentarian, Gates and director Stacey L. Holman chronicle the vast social networks and organizations created by and for Black people beyond the reach of the “White gaze.” The series recounts the establishment of the Prince Hall Masons in 1775 through the formation of all-Black towns and business districts, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, destinations for leisure, and the social media phenomenon of Black Twitter. Gates sits with noted scholars, politicians, cultural leaders, and old friends to discuss this world behind the color line and what it looks like today. MAKING BLACK AMERICA takes viewers into an extraordinary world that showcased Black people’s ability to collectively prosper, defy white supremacy and define Blackness in ways that transformed America itself.
PBS Books, in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is pleased to host a conversation with internationally renowned scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Ph.D., who is the executive producer, host and writer of “Making Black America: Through the Grapevine”, with esteemed scholar Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, Ph.D., who is the former past president of ASALH.
Explore the themes and content in “Making Black America” as Professor Gates discusses his work and his process for his new documentary in dialogue with his long-time friend and colleague Professor Higginbotham—both are foremost scholars in the field of African American history. Learn More>>
PBS Books, in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is pleased to host a conversation award-winning Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, author of The Love Songs of WEB DuBois in connection with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s latest documentary “Making Black America: Through the Grapevine.”
In her latest book, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers chronicles the journey of one American family from the centuries of the colonial slave trade through the Civil Rights Movement to today’s society. Through the conversation, you’ll learn about her work and process, as well as themes and topics that connect to “Making Black America: Through the Grapevine” Learn More>>
Monday, October 17, 8 p.m.
Author Talk | Kwame Alexander on MAKING BLACK AMERICA: THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
PBS Books, in collaboration with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is pleased to host a conversation New York Times best-selling Kwame Alexander, author of The Door of No Return and An American Story.
In his latest book, Alexander’s The Door of No Return chronicles the saga of one African Family in verse and is part of a forthcoming trilogy. Soon to be released, An American Story shares a story about African Americans’ struggle and strength, horror and hope. Through the conversation, you’ll learn about his work and process, as well as themes and topics that connect to “Making Black America: Through the Grapevine.” Learn More>>
Explore More Works by Black Writers
PBS Books is thrilled to amplify the voices of African Americans and their books. Here are some of our favorite interviews from the last few years of amazing Black authors.
