The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song

Free Screening & Discussion

Durham, NH (January 28, 2021) — New Hampshire PBS and New Hampshire Humanities present a virtual screening of the new documentary, THE BLACK CHURCH: THIS IS OUR STORY, THIS IS OUR SONG on Monday, February 8^th at 6 pm. The powerful series from executive producer, host and writer Henry Louis Gates, Jr., (PBS Finding Your Roots) traces the 400-year-old story of the Black church in America, all the way down to its bedrock role as the site of African American survival and grace, organizing and resilience, thriving and testifying, autonomy and freedom, solidarity and speaking truth to power.

The screening includes highlights from all four episodes of the series. After the screening, New Hampshire Humanities Public Programs Director Dr. Tricia Peone will host a conversation with Dr. Vaughn Booker, Assistant Professor of Religion and African and African American Studies at Dartmouth College. “We are pleased to partner with New Hampshire Humanities on this virtual event,” said Peter Frid, President and CEO of NHPBS. “This program will deepen people’s understanding of the influential and essential role of the Black Church in American culture.”

“New Hampshire Humanities is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NHPBS on this program, and we look forward to exploring the history of the Black Church in conversation with Dr. Booker,” said Dr. Peone, New Hampshire Humanities Public Programs Director.

The February 8^th screening is free, but you must register to receive the link. To register, visit nhpbs.org/events

The documentary reveals how Black people have worshipped and, through their spiritual journeys, improvised ways to bring their faith traditions from Africa to the New World.

Renowned participants in the series include media executive and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Bishop Michael Curry, Cornel West, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Rev. Al Sharpton and more. Through their interviews, viewers will be transported by the songs that speak to one’s soul, by preaching styles that have moved congregations and a nation, and by beliefs and actions that drew African Americans from the violent margins of society to the front lines of change.

The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song premieres on February 16 at 9pm and episode two airs on February 17 at 9pm with numerous replays on NHPBS and online at nhpbs.org.

Major corporate support for THE BLACK CHURCH: THIS IS OUR STORY, THIS IS OUR SONG is provided by Johnson & Johnson. Major support is also provided by Lilly Endowment, Inc., Ford Foundation, and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS and public television viewers.

About New Hampshire Humanities: For almost five decades, New Hampshire Humanities has connected Granite Staters with inspiring and challenging ideas of the human experience. We harness the power of the humanities by offering programs, grants, and opportunities to residents of New Hampshire and beyond, supporting lifelong learning, and fostering civic engagement and discourse. Last year New Hampshire Humanities sponsored 749 free public programs and broadcasts and 11 low-cost programs that reached 241,034 residents in 170 communities, in partnership with 338 organizations. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org