Black History Month Programming on PBS SoCal Looks at Origins of ‘GOSPEL’ Along with Robust Lineup Featuring Programs From INDEPENDENT LENS, AMERICAN MASTERS and More!

Los Angeles, Calif. – Jan. 18, 2024 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS station, announced today a robust programming slate in February highlighting Black History Month content headlined by GOSPEL, a new four-hour docuseries that explores the rich history of Black spirituality through sermon and song from Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Musical styles come and go, but gospel music has been a constant source of strength, courage and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday. GOSPEL digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song as the four episode series highlights how, from the blues to hip hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. All four episodes will debut back-to-back over the course of two nights airing Mon., Feb. 12 and Tues., Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal.

Kicking off the celebration earlier in the month, and as a companion presentation to GOSPEL, PBS taped the one-of-a-kind television special GOSPEL LIVE! at Oasis Church in Los Angeles in October. The special features performances by contemporary secular and gospel stars, including John Legend, Erica Campbell, Anthony Hamilton, Lena Byrd Miles, Mali Music and more. Presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., this extraordinary musical celebration honoring the legacy and influence of gospel music in America and premieres Fri., Feb. 9 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal.

Reinforcing PBS SoCal’s commitment to telling diverse stories, the station kicks off Black History Month even prior to February, with the Jan. 22 premiere of “Racist Trees” from INDEPENDENT LENS which asks the question of whether trees were intentionally planted to exclude and segregate a Black neighborhood in Palm Springs, California.

In February, viewers can find relevant programming options that range from popular PBS series like FINDING YOUR ROOTS and Southern California’s locally produced arts & culture series ARTBOUND to groundbreaking limited series such as FIGHT THE POWER: HOW HIP HOP CHANGED THE WORLD and MAKING BLACK AMERICA: THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE. While trailblazing individuals including guitarist Wes Bound, architect Paul R. Williams and fearless civil rights leader Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth are among the many individuals celebrated in other documentaries airing throughout the month on PBS SoCal.

Acclaimed PBS documentary series AMERICAN MASTERS treats viewers to two important stories for Black History Month including the Feb. 2 broadcast of “Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” charting the meteoric rise of the artist who counted both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones as his opening acts. The film provides an intimate exploration of the electrifying artist and his far-reaching influence as well as his advocacy for the rights of Black artists in the music industry. The film debuted in PBS’s 2023 Pride Month lineup providing an intimate exploration of the renowned and multifaceted individual.

Then, on Feb. 6, AMERICAN MASTERS “How It Feels to Be Free” is the inspiring story of how six iconic African American female entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process. The documentary interviews and features archival performances with all six women, as well as offers up original conversations with contemporary artists influenced by them, including the film’s executive producer Alicia Keys, as well as Halle Berry, Lena Waithe, Meagan Good, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson and other luminaries.

Additional offerings for local audiences include specially curated episodes of BARE FEET, where host and dancer Mickela Mallozzi experiences the world one dance at a time, exploring the traditional dances of every culture while connecting with the local community.

Reinforcing PBS SoCal’s commitment to sharing diverse and inclusive stories, additional digital content will roll out at pbssocal.org/BlackHistoryMonth exploring the impact of Black History Month and the Black experience in America.