Black History Month | WEDU PBS Programming

WEDU PBS honors the impact and legacy of Black culture on our country. Throughout February, WEDU invites you to join us as we broadcast thought-provoking specials, engaging documentaries, and robust programs that shine a light on Black History Month. 

Below you will find inspirational programming intended to showcase diverse stories and storytellers, travel back to experience transformational history, and open your eyes to social justice issues today. 

Eyes on the Prize (Four Parts)

EYES ON THE PRIZE tells the definitive story of the civil rights era from the point of view of the ordinary men and women whose extraordinary actions launched a movement that changed the fabric of American life, and embodied a struggle whose reverberations continue to be felt today. Narrated by political leader and civil rights activist Julian Bond (1940-2015).  PREVIEW

Wednesday, February 1 at 4 p.m. on WEDU

Wednesday, February 8 at 4 p.m. on WEDU

Wednesday, February 16 at 4 p.m. on WEDU

Wednesday, February 22 at 4 p.m. on WEDU

Making Black America: Through the Grapevine (Four Parts)

Making Black America: Through the Grapevine is a four-part series hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., that chronicles the vast social networks and organizations created by and for Black people -beyond the reach of the “White gaze.” Professor 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. PREVIEW

Friday, February 3 at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on WEDU

Saturday, February 4 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on WEDU 

Friday, February 10 at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on WEDU

Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on WEDU

This Little Light of Mine: Making of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

This documentary chronicles the founding of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) and its resilience through the obstacles and challenges of 2020. Drawing on the strength and spirit that carried the troupe across previous hardships, WBTT reimagines ways to safely stage its performances and fulfill its mission to promote inclusion and diversity in the arts. WATCH ON PBS PASSPORT

Tuesday, February 5 at 11 a.m. on WEDQ

Monday, February 6 at 9 p.m. on WEDQ

Friday, February 10 at 11 p.m. on WEDU

Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World

Chuck D of Public Enemy explores Hip Hop's political awakening over the last 50 years. With a host of rap stars and cultural commentators, he tracks Hip Hop's socially conscious roots. From The Message to Fight The Power 2020, he examines how Hip Hop has become "the Black CNN." PREVIEW

Monday, February 6  at 8 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 7 at 10 a.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 7 at 9 p.m. on WEDU

Saturday, February 11 at 11 p.m. on WEDQ

Monday, February 13 at 8 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 14 at 10 a.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 14 at 9 p.m. on WEDU

Saturday, February 18 at 11 p.m. on WEDQ

Monday, February 20 at 8 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 21 at 10 a.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 21 at 9 p.m. on WEDU

Saturday, February 25 at 11 p.m. on WEDQ

Monday, February 27 at 8 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 28 at 10 a.m. on WEDQ

Antiques Roadshow: Celebrating Black Americana

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW honors Black History Month with the special episode Celebrating Black Americana. Highlights include an 1821 U.S. citizenship certificate for George Barker, a free man of color; an African American beauty book written by Madam C.J. Walker, the first American female millionaire. WATCH ON PBS PASSPORT

Monday, February 6 at 9 p.m. on WEDU

Tuesday, February 7 at 4 p.m. on WEDU

Thursday, February 9 at 9 p.m. on WEDQ

Friday, February 10 at 4 p.m. on WEDQ

Independent Lens: Outta The Muck

Wade into the rich soil of Pahokee, Florida, a town on the banks of Lake Okeechobee. Beyond its football legacy, including sending over a dozen players to the NFL (like Anquan Boldin, Fred Taylor, and Rickey Jackson), the fiercely self-determined community tells their stories of Black achievement and resilience in the face of tragic storms and personal trauma. PREVIEW

Monday, February 6 at 10 p.m. on WEDU

Monday, February 12 at 11 p.m. on WEDQ

Reel South: Rap Squad

An Arkansas community mobilizes around a divisive ballot initiative for a new high school, led by a group of high school writers and performers who seek healing for themselves and justice for their community through hip hop. PREVIEW

Monday, February 6 at 10 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 7 at 12 p.m. on WEDQ

Black Pioneers of the Sunshine City

Black Pioneers of the Sunshine City” is a documentary that chronicles the history of African American struggles and successes in St Petersburg, Florida. This historical documentary will tell the stories of Black men and women, whose activitism contributed to our beloved community that we all know today.

Wednesday, February 8 at 5 p.m. on WEDU

NOVA: Star Chasers

A NASA spacecraft named Lucy blasts off from Cape Canaveral on a mission to the Trojans, a group of asteroids over 400 million miles from Earth thought to hold important clues about the origins of our solar system. Just hours before, in Senegal, West Africa, a team of scientists sets out to capture extraordinarily precise observations vital to the success of the Lucy mission. PREVIEW

Wednesday, February 8 at 9 p.m. on WEDU

Thursday, February 9 at 3 p.m. on WEDU

Saturday, February 11 at 4 p.m. on WEDU

Sunday, February 12 at 8 p.m. on WEDQ

Monday, February 13 at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. on WEDQ

Secrets of the Dead: Woman In the Iron Coffin

Follow a team of forensic experts as they investigate the preserved remains of a young African American woman from 19th century New York and reveal the little-known story of early America’s free Black communities. PREVIEW

Wednesday, February 8 at 10 p.m. on WEDU

Thursday, February 9 at 4 p.m. on WEDU

Sunday, February 12 at 9 p.m. on WEDQ

Monday, February 13 at 12 p.m. & 3 p.m. on WEDQ

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali brings to life one of the most indelible figures of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans across the world with his mesmerizing combination of speed, grace, and power in the ring, and charm and playful boasting outside of it. Ali insisted on being himself unconditionally and became a global icon and inspiration to people everywhere. MUHAMMAD ALI

Saturday, February 11 at 9.m. on WEDQ

Saturday, February 18 at 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. on WEDQ

Central Avenue Remembered

This WEDU PBS original documentary explores the history of Tampa's Central Avenue as a destination for black businesses. During its hey-day between 1930-1960, many important figures appeared on Central Avenue; Hank Ballard (co-creator of “The Twist”), Butterfly McQueen (“Gone With the Wind”) and Ray Charles to name a few. CENTRAL AVENUE REMEMBERED

Sunday, February 12 at 5 p.m. on WEDU

Extraordinary Grace: Reverend A. Leon Lowry

This WEDU PBS original documentary explores Dr. Lowry’s legacy of civil rights, education, and ministry that left an indelible mark on the Tampa Bay area, the country, and the hearts of the innumerable lives he impacted. Dr. Lowry was instrumental in bringing change to Tampa Bay through peaceful protests—a concept one of his students, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., took to heart. EXTRAORDINARY GRACE

Sunday, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. on WEDU

IDA B. Wells

Ida B. Wells, a prominent journalist exposed racial violence in the South and led a trip to Washington, D.C. in 1913 to march in the national suffrage parade. PREVIEW

Monday, February 13 at 9 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 14 at 12 p.m. on WEDQ

Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom

Go beyond the legend and meet the inspiring woman who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. Born 200 years ago in Maryland, Harriet Tubman was a conductor of the Underground Railroad, a Civil War scout, nurse and spy, and one of the greatest freedom fighters in our nation’s history. WATCH ON PBS PASSPORT

Monday, February 13 at 10 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 14 at 12 p.m. on WEDQ

Into the Storm

A student-made documentary about the 1966-67 Booker High School basketball team en route to the Florida state title in the midst of a contentious school desegregation. WATCH NOW

Monday, February 13 at 10 p.m. on WEDU

Wednesday, February 15 at 5 p.m. on WEDU

Monday, February 27 at 9 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 28 at 11 a.m. on WEDQ

87TH Annual Annisfield-Wolf Book Awards

The 2022 Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards honor the work of Percival Everett, Donika Kelly, George Makari, Tiya Miles and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ishmael Reed. The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards is the only national juried prize recognizing literature that has contributed to our understanding of racism and human diversity. Hosted by acclaimed scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. WATCH NOW

Friday, February 17 at 11 p.m. on WEDU

Wednesday, February 22 at 5 p.m. on WEDU

Tampa Technique: Rise, Demise, and Remembrance of Central Avenue

Tampa Technique: Rise, Demise, and Remembrance of Central Avenue analyzes the strategic and calculated Civil Rights Movement in Tampa, Florida through the lens of Central Avenue.

Monday, February 13 at 11 p.m. on WEDU

Irma: My Life in Music

IRMA: MY LIFE IN MUSIC is a 90-minute documentary about the “Soul Queen of New Orleans.” Although Irma Thomas didn’t experience the same kind of commercial success as her contemporaries, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, her impact on R&B music is just as great. The program features archival concert and interview footage culled from decades of performances filmed at The New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival.

Monday, February 20 at 9 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 21 at 11 a.m. on WEDQ

Fannie Lou Hamer: Stand Up

Civil rights legend Fannie Lou Hamer is remembered by those who worked side by side with her in the struggle for voting rights. An African-American sharecropper from the Mississippi Delta, Hamer’s difficulty registering to vote in 1962 led to her career as an outspoken activist, congressional candidate, and fierce fighter for the rights of all. WATCH NOW

Monday, February 20 at 10:30 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 21 at 12:30 p.m. on WEDQ

1964: A Fight for a Right

By 1964, black Mississippians had suffered 75 years of Jim Crow. Civil rights activists came up with a daring plan for change. Bringing white students to Mississippi for a summer-long voter registration drive. Mississippi Public Broadcasting commemorated the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer with a documentary which explored the content, events, and aftermath of those 10 weeks. WATCH NOW

Monday, February 27 at 10 p.m. on WEDQ

Tuesday, February 28 at 12 p.m. on WEDQ