Reframing the country's history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of national narrative; the legacy of slavery shapes different aspects of contemporary American life.
EPISODE 1
Democracy
Black America's centuries-long fight to democratize America and its founding ideals.
EPISODE 2
Race
Examining the construct of race as a political invention, while tracing the impact that has had on Black women's bodies and reproductive lives.
EPISODE 3
Music
From Motown's wide popularity to funk's rebellious independence to today's genre-breaking musicians, the "uncapturable spirit" of Black music is celebrated, and is maintained that Black music is American music.
EPISODE 4
Capitalism
Nikole Hannah-Jones' family and current labor battles; how slavery formed the bedrock of American capitalism and how this foundation of brutality continues to permeate the deeply unequal economic system.
EPISODE 5
Fear
Exploring how modern policing, surveillance, and the criminalization of Black Americans draws roots from the slavery era, fear of Black rebellion, and a centuries-long quest for freedom.
EPISODE 6
Justice
Examining the historical events that denied Black Americans the opportunity to build generational wealth through Nikole Hannah-Jones' family story and one Georgia community fighting for restitution.
Nikole Hannah-Jones
Roger Ross Williams
Kathleen Lingo
Oprah Winfrey
Caitlin Roper
Shoshana Guy
