A Legacy of Achievement

Marsalis Brothers WHYY celebrates Black History Month on TV12
Compiled by Jennifer Fletcher

This month, WHYY presents a wealth of programs on TV12 that highlight African-American themes and issues and honor the contributions of African-Americans throughout history:

Sounder (1972) Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield star in this uplifting story about a family of black sharecroppers in 1930s rural Louisiana. Based on a Newberry Award-winning novel, the film follows the journey of an 11-year-old boy as he learns lessons about black achievement in America. Saturday, February 1 at 8 p.m.

Africa in the Picture Danny Glover hosts this three-part series highlighting the work of African filmmakers who are using art to address urgent social issues facing their continent.

In "Faat Kine," acclaimed director Ousmane Sembene examines the life of a successful businesswoman in Senegal and her constant struggle to make even the smallest achievements possible. Saturday, February 1 beginning at 11:45 p.m.

Black Philadelphia Memories Singer Patti LaBelle narrates this original WHYY production examining the rich history of African-Americans in the Delaware Valley through personal anecdotes, recollections from historians, archival footage and family photographs. Sunday, February 2 at 3:20 p.m.

Freedom: A History of US "A War to End Slavery" This episode of the 16-part series examines the role of African-Americans during the Civil War, including the creation of the Bureau of Colored Troops and black enlistments in the Union Army. Sunday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Great Museums "The DuSable Museum of African-American History" The groundbreaking museum celebrates the achievements of such black pioneers as Bessie Coleman and Harold Washington. Tuesday, February 4 at 11:30 p.m.

Are You Black, White or What? In this original WHYY program, producer Lillian Paulmier interviews seven biracial Philadelphia-area residents to gain insights into raising her own biracial son and encourages people to accept others for who they are rather than "pigeonholing" them into ethnic categories. Sunday, February 9 at 4 p.m.

Whispers of Angels: A Story of the Underground Railroad Emmy Award-winning actor Ed Asner and Blair Underwood star in this locally-made film focusing on the collaboration between Quaker abolitionist Thomas Garrett and free black anti-slavery activist William Still. Sunday, February 9 at 5 p.m.

American Experience "Partners of the Heart" Morgan Freeman narrates this profile of a black doctor and a white surgeon who worked together during the mid 20th century to pioneer daring operations that saved children stricken with congenital heart defects. Monday, February 10 at 10 p.m.

Muhammad Ali: Through the Eyes of The World Through extensive film footage and revealing personal interviews, this definitive film biography explores the life of the athlete Time magazine recognized as one of the most important people of the 20th century. Tuesday, February 11 at 10 p.m.

The Tuskegee Airmen During World War II, a group of African-American aviators were the first within the segregated U.S. military to prove that blacks had what it took to fly in combat. Ten of the original airmen reunite at the airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama where they began their incredible careers and opened the field of aviation to African-Americans. Wednesday, February 19 at 11 p.m.

The Marsalis Family: A Jazz Celebration Pianist Harry Connick Jr. and bassist Roland Guerin help brothers Branford (saxophone), Delfeayo (trombone), Jason (drums) and Wynton (trumpet) salute their father, legendary New Orleans jazz pianist and educator Ellis Marsalis. Thursday, February 20 at 11 p.m.