Watch The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross

The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross is a six-part documentary series produced by PBS in 2013. The series explores the tumultuous journey of African Americans, from the arrival of the first Africans in America to the present day. It is a journey that traverses many rivers and encompasses many stories and struggles that have shaped the African American experience.

The show is hosted and narrated by Henry Louis Gates Jr., a renowned historian, filmmaker, and scholar in African American studies. Gates is joined by other experts such as Vincent Brown and Bernard E. Powers Jr., who provide additional insights and analysis throughout the series.

The first episode, titled "The Black Atlantic (1500-1800)," establishes the premise of the series by examining the arrival of the first Africans in America in 1619. The episode explores the initial interactions between Africans and Europeans, the rise of the transatlantic slave trade, and the various African cultures that were forcibly transported to the Americas.

The second episode, "The Age of Slavery (1800-1860)," focuses on the period of American history when slavery was legal and prevalent throughout much of the country. The episode explores the brutal realities of slavery, the resistance and rebellion of enslaved people, and the factors that led to the Civil War.

The third episode, "Into the Fire (1861-1896)," follows the period of Reconstruction and its eventual failure in the face of white supremacy and violence against Black people. The episode also explores the emergence of Black institutions such as schools, churches, and businesses, and how they provided a foundation for Black activism and resistance.

The fourth episode, "Making a Way Out of No Way (1897-1940)," examines the period of Jim Crow segregation and the continued struggle for civil rights and equality. The episode explores the growth of Black communities, the emergence of Black leaders and intellectuals, and the role of the Great Migration in shaping African American culture and identity.

The fifth episode, "Rise! (1940-1968)," focuses on the pivotal period of the Civil Rights Movement and the challenges and triumphs of Black activism. The episode explores landmark events such as the Montgomery bus boycott, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery march, as well as the key figures who led these movements.

The final episode, "It's Nation Time (1968-2013)," brings the series up to the present day and examines the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in America. The episode explores the emergence of Black political power and representation, the growth of Black popular culture, and the impact of social movements such as Black Lives Matter.

Overall, The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross is a powerful and comprehensive exploration of the African American experience. Through the use of archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, the series illuminates the many struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history, as well as the ongoing challenges they face today. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, race relations, and social justice.

The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on October 22, 2013.