In keeping with the original project, this series seeks to reframe the country's history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.
Episodes
Told through Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nikole Hannah-Jones’ personal story, historical events and the modern fights for voting rights, “Democracy” explores Black America’s centuries-long fight to democratize America and hold it to its founding ideals.
“Race” examines the construct of race as a political invention created to justify the economic exploitation of African people during slavery and promote white supremacy, while tracing the impact that has had on Black women’s bodies and reproductive lives.
From Motown’s wide popularity to funk’s rebellious independence to today’s genre-breaking musicians, “Music” celebrates the “uncapturable spirit” of Black music and maintains that Black music IS American Music.
Nikole Hannah-Jones’ family and current labor battles are the lens for “Capitalism”, which explores how slavery formed the bedrock of American capitalism and how this foundation of brutality continues to permeate our deeply unequal economic system.
A family’s tragic loss. A dramatic day in the life of a protestor. “Fear” explores how modern policing, surveillance and the criminalization of Black Americans draw roots from the slavery era fear of Black rebellion and centuries-long quest for freedom.
Through Nikole Hannah-Jones’ family story and one Georgia community fighting for restitution, “Justice” examines the historical events that denied Black Americans the opportunity to build generational wealth and what is owed to descendants of slavery.
