WCTE PBS will celebrate Black History Month with an expanded new slate of programming, specials, and digital content, shining a spotlight on the diversity of people, stories, and experiences in the Black community.

Highlights include: 

Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History

From Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., "Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History" is a four-part series tracing the rich, complex relationship between Black and Jewish Americans — defined by solidarity and strained by division. Drawn together by racism and antisemitism, they forged civic and cultural bonds, especially during the civil rights era. The series explores both the challenges and enduring promise of that alliance.

Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect

"Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect" explores the life and legacy of the nation’s first African American Supreme Court justice. The film follows Justice Thurgood Marshall, known as “Mr. Civil Rights,” from his legal career with the NAACP to his 1967 appointment to the nation’s highest court. 

American Coup: Wilmington 1898 | American Experience

"American Coup: Wilmington 1898" tells the little-known story of a deadly race massacre and carefully orchestrated insurrection in North Carolina’s largest city in 1898. Stoking fears of “Negro Rule,” self-described white supremacists used intimidation and violence to destroy Black political and economic power and overthrow Wilmington’s democratically-elected, multi-racial government.

Roberta Flack | American Masters

Follow music icon Roberta Flack from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.

Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World

"Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World" is an incredible narrative of struggle, triumph and resistance that will be brought to life through the lens of an art form that has chronicled the emotions, experiences and expressions of Black and Brown communities: Hip Hop. In the aftermath of America's racial and political reckoning in 2020, the perspectives and stories shared in Hip Hop are key to understanding injustice in the U.S. over the last half-century.

Additional programming, including encore specials, will be available to stream on PBS.org and the PBS app. 

Alongside PBS’s linear broadcast schedule, THE BLOCK PARTY, an online community gathering to celebrate Black stories featured in documentaries and programs, returns for a fourth consecutive year. Audiences can also watch web series and other digital content on the Black History Month YouTube playlists by PBS Digital Studios and  THE BLOCK PARTY, including:

Storied: Literary Icons You NEED to Know From the Harlem Renaissance (feat. Princess Weekes) | It's Lit

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS: Civil Rights in the Sky: The woman who paved the way for Black flight attendants

Say It Loud: Where Are You REALLY From? Black Migrations and Immigration, Explained

PBS Voices: Exploring the Revolutionary Legacy of Black River Baptisms

PBS LearningMedia is a free educational resource that includes curriculum-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more for educators nationwide. Each year, PBS LearningMedia provides a curated Black History Month collection to showcase Black excellence through contributions, achievements, and ideas across subjects and eras.

LYLA IN THE LOOP
Premieres: Monday, Feb. 3 on PBS KIDS
“Lyla Gets a Grip / Rappin' Riddles”
With the help of Everett and Ale, Lyla overcomes her fear of rock-climbing. / The twins get Lyla and Ev's help to improve their riddle game about everyday objects made by Black inventors. 

“The Artist Formerly Known as Liana / Jamaica Day”
Liana accidentally submits art that Stu made, and she feels guilty taking the credit for Stu’s work. / Lyla and Luke perform an "Anansi" folktale puppet show for a Jamaica Day celebration in the neighborhood.

“Runaway Tarantula / Rainy Day, Indoor Play”
Ale wants to show the Loops her pet tarantula, but it keeps escaping, so Lyla and Ale make an escape-proof container. Lyla and her siblings are stuck inside because of rain and escape boredom by recreating park activities indoors.

“Miss Emmaline's Magic Trunk / Luke's Puppy”
Lyla figures out how to do a magic trick with clues from her neighbor, Miss Emmaline. / Luke finds a puppy and has to figure out what the puppy wants by watching and listening to it. 

XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM “I am Willard Wigan”
Premieres: Monday, Feb. 17 on PBS KIDS
Willard Wigan shows Yadina that slowing down can help her make friendship bracelets more carefully.

XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM “I am Jackie Robinson”
Premieres: Tuesday, Feb. 18 on PBS KIDS
Jackie Robinson shows Xavier that when something isn’t right, it takes courage to change it.