Ep 5. Eyes on the Prize II (Parts 3 & 4): Power!, The Promised Land

The American Experience season 20 episode 5 is titled "Eyes on the Prize II (Parts 3 & 4): Power!, The Promised Land." This episode is a part of the Eyes on the Prize II documentary series which focuses on the Civil Rights Movement in America during the mid-20th century.

In this episode, viewers are taken through the turbulent times of the late 1960s where the Civil Rights Movement had gained significant momentum and activists were pushing for the changes that had been demanded for a long time. The episode chronicles the period from 1966 to 1968, during which the movement faced numerous challenges but also witnessed some of its most remarkable successes.

The story begins with the emergence of the Black Power movement led by activists Stokely Carmichael and Charles V. Hamilton. This movement advocated for Black self-determination and the end of institutionalized racism in America. The episode traces their journey through the United States as they galvanized the Black community and challenged white supremacy.

As the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, it also faced significant challenges. The Vietnam War was raging on, and the Johnson administration was struggling to maintain control over the escalating violence and unrest. The growing unrest across America saw many factions of the movement splintering, with different leaders and groups advocating for different approaches. The episode explores the implications of these divisions on the movement and how it navigated them to keep pushing forward and achieving its goals.

The episode also highlights the vastly different reception of the Civil Rights Movement across America. In northern cities, Black activists were demanding better housing, schools, and job opportunities, while in the south, activists were still fighting to eradicate institutionalized racism. Meanwhile, white supremacists fought back viciously, resulting in many deaths and injuries.

Despite the challenges, the movement continued to make significant strides. The episode covers Martin Luther King Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign, which aimed to highlight the issues of poverty and economic inequality in America. It also documents the Memphis Sanitation Strike, where Black workers demanded better treatment and equal pay. The episode explores how these movements were able to come together and achieve success in the face of great adversity.

Finally, the episode ends with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., which sent shockwaves throughout America and the world. The documentary explores the aftermath of his death, the impact it had on the Civil Rights Movement, and how his legacy continues to inspire people to this day.

Overall, "Eyes on the Prize II (Parts 3 & 4): Power!, The Promised Land" is a powerful and evocative episode in the American Experience documentary series. It provides a detailed and nuanced look at one of the most significant periods in American history and showcases the incredible resilience, courage, and determination of those who fought for civil rights and equality.