Part 1 of 6, “Lift Every Voice,” recalls the career of minstrel star Bert Williams, the development of jazz and the work of filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. Also: comments from filmmaker Julie Dash and scholar Cornel West. Narrator: Vanessa L. Williams.
Part 2 recounts the rise of the “race” record industry and the Harlem Renaissance writers. Included: excerpts from Bessie Smith's performances; comments from Sonia Sanchez and Alice Walker. Narrator: Vanessa L. Williams.
Part 3 recalls artists of the 1930s through the '40s, such as actor Paul Robeson and musicians Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, who created bebop. Included: an excerpted interview with Gillespie; clips from “The Emperor Jones” and “Show Boat.”
Part 4 recalls progress during the Eisenhower Era through the writings of James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry. Included: excerpts from the play “Blues for Mr. Charlie”; and clips from the film “A Raisin in the Sun.”
Part 5 recalls the 1960s to the '80s, including the Black Arts Movement; such artists as Romare Bearden; and such writers as Alice Walker and Toni Morrison. Also: comments from critic Gerald Early, artist Faith Ringgold and writer Sonia Sanchez. Narrator: Vanessa L. Williams.
The series concludes with the '80s and the '90s, including rap/hip hop; dance; film; the visual arts; and spoken-word artists. Commenting: filmmaker Spike Lee, director Julie Dash and choreographer Bill T. Jones. Also: clips from "She's Gotta Have It." Narrator: Vanessa L. Williams.