By Monique
Nas jumpstarts PBS’ Black History Month programming, which features an in-depth look at many of the activists, public figures, events and institutions that help define the black American experience.
Here’s the full line-up of programming PBS has in store for us via their press release; set your calendars wisely.
GREAT PERFORMANCES (Fridays)
This continuing series is television’s longest-running performing arts anthology and features the best in music, dance and theater.
“Nas Live From the Kennedy Center: Classical Hip-Hop” (Friday, February 2, 9-10 pm ET) Witness the groundbreaking hip-hop artist perform a symphonic rendition of his seminal debut album Illmatic with the National Symphony Orchestra. Nas paints a densely textured lyrical portrait of life in a New York City public housing project.
Additional season information here: GREAT PERFORMANCES
INDEPENDENT LENS (Mondays)
This continuing series features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers.
“Winnie” (February 5, 10-11:30 pm ET) Explore the life of Winnie Mandela and her struggle to bring down apartheid, with intimate insights from those closest to her and testimony from the enemies who sought to extinguish her radical capacity to shake up the order of things.
“Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities” (February 19, 9-10:30 pm) Explore the pivotal role that historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have played in shaping American history, culture and national identity.
Additional season information here: INDEPENDENT LENS
POV
The longest-running television showcase featuring the work of the world’s best contemporary-issue independent filmmakers. The season lineup (previously announced) continues this fall.
“Do Not Resist” (Monday, February 12, 10-11:30 pm ET) Director Craig Atkinson puts viewers in the center of the action in this vital and influential exploration of the rapid militarization of the police in the United States. Winner, Best Documentary Feature Award, 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.
Additional season information here: POV
AMERICAN CREED (Tuesday, February 27, 9-10 pm ET) Condoleezza Rice and David M. Kennedy cross party lines to ask what ideals we share. Stories of unlikely activists including baseball’s Joe Maddon, author Junot Diaz and Marine Tegan Griffith show communities striving to come together across divides.
Which piece of programming will be your priority to watch this February? Write about it in the comments section below!
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Julian 