Making Black America: Through the Grapevine
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.
Main Cast
Henry Louis Gates Jr.as Host
Episode Guide
Season 1
- Episode 1: Episode 1
Aired: Oct 4, 2022As Black people fought for full citizenship, hour one explores how free African Americans exercised their self - determination by building communities, establishing schools, and creating associations that would become the foundational pillars of Black America. Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the organizations, networks and artistic impression created by and for Black people.
- Episode 2: Episode 2
Aired: Oct 11, 2022As Jim Crow laws went into effect, African Americans built a "life behind the veil" to meet their educational, economic, political, and cultural needs. Hour two explores the genesis of these organizations and networks that paved the way for Black life to flourish. Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. highlights the progress Black people made during the early 20th Century.
- Episode 3: Episode 3
Aired: Oct 18, 2022In hour 3, the Great Depression will devastate America's economy and bring Black America to its knees. To survive, the Black community will use social networks to navigate the oppressive realities of Jim Crow. Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores how social networks formed the cultural, economic and political foundation of the Civil Rights Movement which would transform America's race relations.
- Episode 4: Episode 4
Aired: Oct 25, 2022Despite the gains of legal desegregation, hour four reveals a fervent desire for Black spaces and institutions that provide a safe place to debate, organize and celebrate. Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores how Black cultural and political movements - from Black Power to Black Twitter - embraced a radical consciousness that championed a new generation.