Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superb, essential docu illuminates Black American history.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise
What's the Story?
BLACK AMERICA SINCE MLK: AND STILL I RISE features historian and literary critic Henry Louis Gates, Jr. examining and celebrating post-World War II Black history in America. From the early work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders in the 1950s, to deconstructing the reasons behind the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, it examines key political, economic, and sociocultural phenomena that have profoundly impacted the Black community in the United States over the last five decades. It also discusses the emergence of different factions within the Black community, and the political divisions and cultural transformations that have come about as a result. Civil rights activists and scholars like Dr. Cornel West and bell hooks, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, and political leaders like Rev. Jesse Jackson offer additional historical details, and describe what it felt like to witness or take part in these moments. Archival photographs and video footage help round out these conversations.
Is It Any Good?
This engaging 4-part documentary series offers a comprehensive look at the last 50+ years of Black American history. The conversations that take place are often personal, but each narrative offers well-informed and unique insights into the different ways systemic racism continues to impact the daily lives of Black citizens across the United States. It also highlights and celebrates the progress made over the years to challenge the political, economic, and social institutions that perpetuate it.
The archival footage isn't always easy to watch, especially when it reveals the overt (and accepted) racist attitudes and behaviors of the time. However, what is even more startling is how, in some cases, little has changed. This is why Black America Since MLK: And I Still I Rise is important to watch. It gives viewers a context from which contemporary race-related tensions can be explained and understood. But it also reminds us that there is hope for continued progress as the fight against racism continues.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about being a Black person in America. What obstacles does a Black person face in the United States (and around the world) that people from other racial/ethnic backgrounds do not? In what ways does Black America Since MLK: And I Still I Rise address this injustice?
Systemic racism refers to the biased way of thinking and behaving that has become normal in institutions like law enforcement, the legal system, schools, and hospitals. How can these biases be eliminated? Will doing so only benefit the Black community?
How does the media shape the way we look at race, and race-related tensions in America? How can we use the media to talk to children about race-related issues? Check out these resources to begin and continue these discussions.
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 15, 2016
- Cast : Henry Louis Gates , Jr. , Oprah Winfrey , Jesse Jackson
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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