X
- 2021
- PBS
- 2021
- PBS
Summary The four-hour, two-part miniseries hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the history of black churches that began when slaves were brought from Africa to the Americas.
- 2021
- PBS
- 2021
- PBS
The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song
Season 1 Premiere: Feb 16, 2021
85
5.2
Where to Watch
Summary The four-hour, two-part miniseries hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the history of black churches that began when slaves were brought from Africa to the Americas.
Where to Watch
All Seasons
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 7 Critic Reviews
85
100% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 7 Critic Reviews
85
100% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
The series informs viewers of how slaves passed on a centuries-old story tradition, all the way down to the church’s foundational role as a safe space for African American solidarity where they had no choice but to become one new people. ... It is clear that the Black church is evolving, whether as a competitive, uber-charged contest of thoughts about what it should be, or as a furthering of the civil rights divinatory dictum of social change.
“The Black Church” feels a bit rushed toward the end, as Gates tries to address the ongoing horrors of racial violence, police killings of unarmed Black men, and younger activists finding the Church doesn’t reflect their progressive views. But even with its flaws, “The Black Church” flows like a river, carrying viewers forward in the tradition of the glorious music that has been an essential element of worship for centuries.
Despite its traditional style, the series distinguishes itself through Gates’ candid interactions with interviewees who range from scholars and theologians to celebrities like Oprah and John Legend. He harmonizes with gospel singers, calls back to preachers and delves into his own faith. The Black Church is the kind of documentary that only someone with a personal connection to the material could make.
The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a well-paced, well-researched look into how impactful religion in the Black community has been, stretching back to the earliest days of our country’s history.
"The Black Church" is a celebratory tour of American history, examining the regional contributions to the larger culture of worship, and the churches themselves. Some of my favorite moments in the documentary series are the pensive views inside churches across the country interspersed throughout, with the camera work ensuring that even the most modest praise houses glow.
Fascinating. [15 - 28 Feb 2021, p.11]
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 16 User Ratings
5.2
50% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
6% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
44% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 16 User Ratings
5.2
50% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
6% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
44% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Production Company:
Initial Release Date: Feb 16, 2021
Number of seasons: 1 Season
Genres:
Awards
Daytime Emmy Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
