Kansas City PBS, Flatland and 90.9 The Bridge celebrate Black History Month with a full programming slate, including a free screening event featuring GOSPEL, the latest series from Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.,the second installment of the Flatland digital series Passing the Baton and The Bridge’s signature Black History Month program, 9 From 9.
"This year, our Black History Month programming aims to amplify the voices and stories of our Black community members, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history,” said Kliff Kuehl, Kansas City PBS president and CEO. “Whether you join us online, tune in to our broadcasts or meet us in person, I hope you take the time to celebrate Black History Month with Kansas City PBS.”
Kansas City PBS Screening Event Celebrates Gospel Music
Join Kansas City PBS for a special preview screening of GOSPEL, a four-part series from Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. that explores how gospel music transcends its religious origins as the cornerstone of American music.
This preview screening will be held at the Gem Theater in Kansas City’s Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. The event will feature a panel with GOSPEL filmmaker and director Stacey L. Holman, Graceway Church Executive Pastor of Ministries Brandon Estelle and award-winning singer and TV personality Lynda Randle. Kansas City PBS' social media coordinator, Ieshia Downton, will moderate the panel. Plus, local gospel artist Kami Woodard, named Best Gospel Artist in the 2023 Kansas City People's Choice Awards, will perform “For Every Mountain” by Kurt Carr and her original song, “So Good.” Register now at kansascitypbs.org/events.
GOSPEL will premiere on Kansas City PBS Channel 19.1 on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 12 and 13, at 8 p.m. Visit kansascitypbs.org/schedules for all air dates and times.
Flatland Honors Local Black Elders
This month, Flatland, Kansas City PBS’ nonprofit newsroom, will publish new episodes of Passing The Baton on Fridays starting Feb. 2. Created by local filmmaker Sandy Woodson, the second installment of this digital series features stories from distinguished Black leaders in Kansas City.
Passing the Baton provides a platform for Kansas City trailblazers and includes candid conversations on the current state of their individual causes and the ongoing fight for justice. The series features insights from Kansas City’s first African American corporate lawyer, senior U.S. District Judge Fernando Gaitan, Jr.; Pastor Cassandra Wainright, the first woman president of the Concerned Clergy Coalition of Kansas City; and series concept creator Carl Boyd, who is the founder of STOOTS for Boots and Generation Rap, two influential programs serving Kansas City youth. Educator and storyteller Andrea Sherrel Ellis will moderate conversations with each leader. Health Forward Foundation and Husch Blackwell provided support for this program. Learn more at flatlandkc.org/passingthebaton.
90.9 The Bridge Celebrates the Sounds of Black History Month
Tune in to 90.9 The Bridge to celebrate Black musicians' artistry with The Bridge’s signature program, 9 from 9, where nine local Black musicians share nine tracks that define them as artists. Revival with Michael Atchison will feature Black gospel artists on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. to commemorate the premiere of GOSPEL. Throughout the month, Chris Haghirian will share sounds from local Black artists on Eight One Sixty, airing on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Want more Black History Month content from PBS? Stream new and beloved programs celebrating Black excellence online and on the PBS App. Whether history, music, documentaries, science or genealogy, Kansas City PBS is your destination.