Ep 5. Rise! (1940 - 1968)

The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross is a six-part PBS series that traces the history of African Americans in the United States. Season 1 episode 5, titled Rise! (1940 - 1968), explores the tumultuous and transformative decades in the mid-20th century when African Americans fought for civil rights and social justice.

Host and narrator Henry Louis Gates Jr. guides the audience through this period, which saw both significant progress and heartbreaking setbacks. Beginning with the Jim Crow South of the 1940s, Gates examines how black soldiers fought for democracy abroad during World War II, even as they faced discrimination and segregation at home. He also delves into the cultural and social changes that followed the war, including the rise of jazz, the emergence of black entrepreneurs, and the growth of the civil rights movement.

Throughout the episode, Gates introduces viewers to key figures in the fight for equality, such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. He explores their different approaches to the struggle, from peaceful resistance to more militant tactics. He also examines the impact of major events such as the Montgomery bus boycott, the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School, and the March on Washington.

One of the central themes of the episode is the power of grassroots activism. Gates explores how ordinary people, including everyday citizens and college students, played vital roles in the civil rights movement. He highlights the courage and determination of those who risked their lives to fight for justice, from the Freedom Riders who challenged segregation on interstate buses to the children who marched in Birmingham, Alabama.

At the same time, Gates does not shy away from the violence and brutality that African Americans faced during this period. He looks at the bombings, lynchings, and police brutality that were used to intimidate and oppress black activists. He also examines the role of the media in shaping public opinion and shaping the course of the civil rights struggle.

The episode ends on a note of both triumph and tragedy. Gates shows how the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 represented major victories for the movement, culminating in the election of the first black president of the United States. At the same time, he acknowledges the continued existence of racism and injustice, pointing to the Black Lives Matter movement as evidence of the ongoing struggle for equality.

Overall, Rise! (1940 - 1968) is a powerful and engaging exploration of a pivotal period in African American history. Through Gates' insightful narration and a wealth of archival footage and interviews, viewers gain a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs of the civil rights movement, as well as its ongoing legacy in contemporary America.