Black History Month focuses on celebrating the rich culture and history of African Americans. This month provides individuals a chance to reflect on the past and consider the present and future of our country’s diversity. It’s KAMU’s goal to provide rich content throughout February to honor Black History Month.
PBS is celebrating Black History Month by throwing a Block Party full of programs celebrating Black excellence. Most will air on KAMU in February (check our TV schedule for more details) and all will be available for streaming on KAMU Passport. Read on to learn more about a few of the Block Party programs airing this month.
Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World
Four-part series airs at 8 p.m. on Jan. 31 and Feb. 14 and at 8 and 9 p.m. on Feb. 21.
Follow the evolution of hip-hop over the last 50 years. Chuck D from Public Enemy goes back in time and guides viewers through how hip-hop was created and shaped. Personal testimonies from the MCs, DJs, graffiti artists, filmmakers, politicians and activists who laid the genre’s foundation are a key part of the documentary. It also features interviews with A-list talent such as will.i.am, Ice-T, Roxanne Shante and many more.
Learn more about Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World
Making Black America: Through the Grapevine
Four-part series airs Feb. 3 and 10 at 8 and 9 p.m.
Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. takes viewers inside the world of African American life. Along with the help of noted scholars, politicians, cultural leaders and old friends, Professor Gates defines Blackness and explains how each step — no matter how small — transformed America itself. Join us on the first two Fridays of the month as we understand the world behind the color line and what it looks like today.
Learn more about Making Black America: Through the Grapevine
NOVA: Stars of Senegal
Premieres Wednesday, Feb 8 at 8 p.m.
“NOVA” joins in on the Black History Month Block Party with a new documentary this February. A spacecraft named Lucy, launched in 2021, is on its way toward a group of asteroids over 400 million miles from Earth, which are thought to hold vital information about the origins of our solar system. “Stars of Senegal” shares the story of a team of scientists in Senegal, West Africa helping to guide NASA toward a successful mission.
Learn more about NOVA: Stars of Senegal
American Masters: Charley Pride
Monday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m.
A look into the complicated history of the American South and its music through the life of country star Charley Pride. Raised in segregated Mississippi, Pride was influenced by blues, gospel and country. Produced before his death, Pride shares how those genres helped him persevere through his journey from professional baseball, the military and years of hard labor to Nashville and eventually the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Learn more about American Masters: Charley Pride
Finding Your Roots: And Still I Rise
Premieres Tuesday, Feb 21 at 7 p.m.
In the eighth episode of the new season of “Finding Your Roots,” Henry Louis Gates Jr. reveals the unexpected family trees of activist Angela Y. Davis and statesman Jeh Johnson. By using DNA and long-lost records, Gates and his team give his guests and viewers a look into the past. During Black History Month, these stories redefine notions of the Black experience — and challenge preconceptions of America’s past.
