To honor Black History Month, and as part of our commitment to celebrate the diversity of America year-round, KET will air a collection of documentaries and specials that highlight the African-American experience throughout the month of February.
KET’s Black History Month programming includes:
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- Rising From the Rails: The Story of the Pullman Porter The documentary explores the history of the African American men hired to work on railroad sleeping cars beginning in the late 1860s. Serving wealthy white passengers in the golden age of rail travel, the Pullman Porters carried labor organizing skills, civil rights ideals and elements of black culture across the country. KET: Monday, Feb. 4 at 9/8 pm | KET2: Thursday, Feb. 7 at 10/9 pm
- Fighting on Both Fronts: The Story of the 370th The program tells the little-known story of a unit of African American soldiers from Illinois who fought for the United States under the French during World War I. They fought on two fronts: the war against the Germans and the war against racism and inequality at home. KET: Monday, Feb. 4 at 11/10 pm
- Independent Lens: Hale County This Morning, This Evening The documentary series visits Hale County, Alabama, for an intimate and detailed glimpse at life in America’s Black Belt. The film, told in an open-ended, poetic style without a traditional narrative, follows the lives of two young African American men from rural Alabama over the course of five years: Daniel Collins, who attends college in search of opportunity, and Quincy Bryant, who becomes a father to an energetic son. KET: Monday, Feb. 11 at 10/9 pm
- Redeeming Uncle Tom: The Josiah Henson Story The film traces the story of Josiah Henson – the real-life inspiration for the character of Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s classic 1852 novel, recognized as one of the sparks that ignited the Civil War. Danny Glover voices the part of Henson, who spent a portion of his life in Kentucky before escaping slavery in 1830 and eventually settling in Ontario, Canada. KET: Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 9/8 pm | KET2: Thursday, Feb. 14 at 10/9 pm
- Sammy Davis, Jr: American Masters This new documentary explores the legendary entertainer’s talent as well as his journey for identity through the shifting tides of civil rights and racial progress in 20th century America. Clips from Davis, Jr.’s TV, film and concert performances are included, as are reflections by Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and more. KET: Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 9/8 pm | KET2: Monday, Feb. 25 at 9/8 pm
- Charley Pride: American Masters The documentary explores the complicated history of the American South and its music through the life of country star Charley Pride. Raised in segregated Mississippi, Pride’s journey shows the ways that artistic expression can triumph over prejudice and injustice. KET: Friday, Feb. 22 at 9:30/8:30 pm | KET2: Sunday, Feb. 24 at 8/7 pm
- Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story Theologian Howard Thurman, a respected poet and church leader, used religious expression to help ignite sweeping social change in America. His writing and doctrines helped influence an entire generation of African American leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr. KET2: Thursday, Feb. 21 at 10/9 pm
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