Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in America, is an annual observance in February in the United States for the remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. In celebration of Black History Month, local Austin community-supported public television, KLRU will broadcast a lineup of programs honoring and exploring African American culture.
Here’s what’s on KLRU this month in observance:
Independent Lens A Ballerina’s Tale
Monday, February 8 at 9 pm
Few dancers make it to the highest levels of classical ballet; of that already small number only a fraction of them are black women. Misty Copeland pulled herself up the ladder at American Ballet Theater from studio company to principal dancer, becoming arguably the biggest star in dance today.
The Caged Bird: The Life and Music of Florence B. Price
Monday, February 8 at 10 pm
In 1933, Florence B. Price made music history as the first African-American woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra when the Chicago Symphony premiered her Symphony in E minor at the 1933 World’s Fair. This is the inspiring story of a gifted woman’s triumph over prejudice and preconceptions.
American Masters B.B. King
Friday, February 12 at 8 pm
American Masters premieres a biography about blues legend, the late B. B King.premieres a biography about blues legend, the late B. B King.
Independent Lens The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights
Monday, February 15 at 9 pm.
Whitney M. Young, Jr. was one of the most celebrated—and controversial—leaders of the civil rights era. This film follows his journey from segregated Kentucky to head of the National Urban League. Unique among black leaders, he took the fight directly to the powerful white elite, gaining allies in business and government including three presidents.
Vel Phillips: Dream Big Dreams
Monday, February 15 at 10 pm
Discover how Vel Phillips, Milwaukee’s first African American and first female alderman, rose to prominence as one of Wisconsin’s great civil rights activists boasting a list of “firsts” as part of her legacy. These include the first African American judge in Wisconsin and the first woman in the nation to hold executive office in state government.
Finding Your Roots Family Reunions
Tuesday, February 16 at 7 pm
The new season continues with the premiere of episode seven. Uncover family mysteries about two legends of hip hop, Sean Combs and LL Cool J, through the use of DNA technology that reveals information that shakes their very foundations.
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution on Independent Lens
Tuesday, February 16 at 8 pm
Weaving together a treasure trove of rare footage with the voices of a diverse group of people who were there, Stanley Nelson tells the vibrant story of a pivotal movement that feels timely all over again.
Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race
Tuesday, February 16 at 10 pm
Thirty-five years before the election of President Barack Obama, the question of race and the possibility of bridging racial barriers were put to the test in an overlooked story in American politics: Tom Bradley’s 1973 election as Mayor of Los Angeles: the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city with an overwhelmingly white majority. This documentary tells the story of how Bradley’s coalition of African Americans, Jews, white liberals, Latinos and Asian Americans united a divided city, brought inclusion and access, and set the foundation for inter-racial coalitions that encouraged the elections of minority candidates nationwide.
Smitsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House
Friday, February 26 at 8 pm
Hear interpretations of the music of Ray Charles, using his own big-band musical arrangements, by renowned as well as up-and-coming artists. The performance, a White House partnership with the Smithsonian, airs from the East Room.
Fats Domino: American Masters
Friday, February 26 at 9 pm
Discover how Fats Domino’s brand of New Orleans rhythm and blues became rock ‘n’ roll. As popular in the 1950s as Elvis Presley, Domino suffered degradations in the pre-civil rights South and aided integration through his influential music.
Independent Lens Wilhemina’s War
Monday, February 29 at 9 pm
A Southern grandmother struggles to help her family through a life marked by HIV, but may be unable to save those she loves. AIDS is a grim reality and a leading cause of death for black women in the rural south.
For more programming and details about events being hosted KLRU and KLRU Q in celebration of Black History Month, visit here.
