The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song

The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a moving and informative docuseries from PBS that premiered in 2021. Reverently led by Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr., who also serves as writer and executive producer, the series dives deep into the rich culture, history, and tradition of the Black church in America. Over four hours and two installments, Gates deftly unveils the 400-year-old story of this crucial cornerstone, exploring its tumultuous roots and its immense influence in the realms of civil rights, culture, music, and much more.

Each episode is punctuated by original interviews that are both insightful and inspiring, bringing the indomitable heart of the Black church to stirring life on screen. Featuring a wealth of prominent figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Kirk Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, and a host of others, the series is a collective voice of narratives from theologians, gospel artists, writers, and more, all contributing their unique perspectives.

Speaking greatly to its comprehensive outlook, The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song stretches far beyond the boundary of religion. The series reaches back to the times of slavery, examining how early iterations of the Black church were deeply entwined with the period's secretive, coded resistance movements. Viewers are treated to a fascinating exploration of church origins, transformation, and the incremental changes that shaped and solidified its central importance in the Black community.

One can't help but marvel at the attention and respect the series gives to the powerful melodies that pulse through the heart of the black church. The soulful gospel music that rings throughout the series not only provides emotional elevation but also serves to underscore the historical significance of these spiritual sounds within the Black church. The influence of these gospel roots, as delved into by the series, goes beyond the church walls and contributed significantly to the development of a vast array of American music genres, including blues, soul, R&B, and even hip-hop.

The series also explores the central role the Black church has played in the fight for social justice and civil rights. Not merely a place for worship, the Black church was and continues as a forum for political organization, a refuge from injustice, and a catalyst for social change. This is poignantly illustrated in the series by revisiting the activism of religious leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., whose powerful oratory, deeply rooted in religious cadences, was pivotal in energizing and directing the Civil Rights Movement.

The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song also addresses the complexities and internal challenges of the Black church. It delves deep into the inherent intricacies involved in navigating the intersection of faith, culture, and race, cues from colonial influence, and issues of gender and sexuality among others. This honesty contributes to a well-rounded insight, offering a clearer understanding of the Black church’s evolution and its resilience in tackling inherent societal and cultural changes over time.

What makes the series stand out is its close-to-heart and personable approach. Gates, a gem of a storyteller, strategically intersperses his personal anecdotes, family photographs and ties, eliciting emotional proximity with viewers. He effectively bridges the gap between past and present, engaging the viewers not just as passive receivers, but as participants in a rich historical expedition.

In summary, The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a compelling, mindful, and powerful journey through centuries of a hugely influential institution. An emotional tribute to the journey, longevity, and power of the Black church, this series from PBS is a must-see not only for those interested in religious history, culture, and civil rights, but for anyone who values a keen understanding of the complexity of our shared American history.