Black History Month 2026
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Birth of a Planet: Richmond on Paper
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2:30 PM
From the heart of the Confederacy arose an African American-run newspaper that shook the foundations of the Old South and beyond by providing the kind of coverage that reminds us why every voice matters. In an era defined by the struggle against lynchings, segregation and voter suppression, the Richmond Planet and its pistol-packing editor, John Mitchell, Jr., exposed stories of brutality, racism and injustice that remain very familiar today.
Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Monday, Feb. 2, at 10 PM
Go beyond the legend and meet the woman who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. One of the greatest freedom fighters in U.S. history, Tubman was an Underground Railroad conductor, a Civil War scout and a spy.
Finding Your Roots, Love & Basketball
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 8 PM
Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 1 AM
Sunday, Feb. 8, at 4 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Friday, Feb. 6, at 8 PM
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of basketball superstars Brittney Griner and Chris Paul — revealing that they are not the first extraordinary people in their family trees. Telling stories that stretch deep into the past, Gates introduces his guests to relatives who showed courage, talent and grit — connecting Brittney and Chris to their ancestors in ways that they never imagined possible.
Black and Jewish in America: An Interwoven History
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesdays, Feb. 3–Feb. 17, at 9 PM and Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 10 PM
Wednesdays, Feb. 4–Feb. 18, at 2 AM and Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 3 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturdays at 4 PM beginning Feb. 7
This four-part series traces 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 Movement. The series explores both the challenges and the enduring promise of that alliance.
American Masters, Roberta Flack
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Friday, Feb. 6 at 9 PM
Discover music icon Roberta Flack's rise to stardom and triumphs over racism and sexism. 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.
Independent Lens, Razing Liberty Square
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Feb. 7, at noon
Liberty City, Miami, is home to one of the oldest segregated public housing projects in the U.S. Now with rising sea levels, the neighborhood’s higher ground has become something else: real estate gold. Wealthy property owners push inland to higher ground, creating a speculators’ market in the historically black neighborhood previously ignored by developers and policy-makers alike.
A Boston (R)Evolution
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday. Feb. 7, at 1:30 PM
Boston, a racially complex American city, confronts its past, present and future. Boston’s acting mayor, a Black woman bussed as a child to hostile neighborhoods, ends 200 years of white male mayorship, ushering in the historic 2021 mayoral race in which four non-white women were the leading contenders.
Great Performances, Purlie Victorious
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Feb. 7, at 9 PM
Enjoy this comedic play starring Tony winner Leslie Odom, Jr. telling the story of a Black preacher’s scheme to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church from a plantation owner. Written by Ossie Davis with direction by Tony winner Kenny Leon.
A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama with Dr. Henry Panion, III
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, Feb. 8, at 5 PM
Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 8 PM
A truly unique television program bringing together songs performed by musical legends The Blind Boys of Alabama and a full symphony orchestra. Throughout the program, a documentary storytelling thread uses small vignettes to connect the artists and their songs. Beautifully orchestrated and conducted by Dr. Henry Panion III, A SYMPHONY CELEBRATION focuses on messages of humanity, peace and love.
Stream A SYMPHONY CELEBRATION: THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA WITH DR. HENRY PANION, III.
American Masters, Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock and Roll
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, Feb. 8, at 6 PM
Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7 PM
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard. This portrait of the “King and Queen of Rock and Roll” chronicles the journey of Little Richard — born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia — from a prodigy with deep gospel roots to a virtuosic, world-touring icon. It explores his far-reaching influence as well as his advocacy for the rights of Black artists in the music industry.
In Their Own Words, Chuck Berry
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, Feb. 8, at 10 PM
Take a riveting ride on the Chuck Berry train exploring the life, the legend, the music, and the man who is regularly credited as the father of rock and roll. Meet the family who loved him, the players who were there for the rise, and the stars who bow to his inspiration and credit him for their own success.
Bigger Than Africa
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, Feb. 8, at 11 PM
When the slave ships crossed the Atlantic, they carried more than bodies — they transported entire civilizations, rich with philosophies, religions, languages, rhythms and ancestral memory. BIGGER THAN AFRICA traces the living legacy of Yoruba culture — from the vibrant Candomblé temples of Salvador, Brazil and the Orisha festivals of Trinidad, to Harlem’s drum circles and the enduring traditions in West Africa. The documentary reveals how Yoruba traditions not only survived the Middle Passage but also took root, flourished and evolved across the globe. More than a historical account, the film is a cultural odyssey uncovering the spiritual and cultural threads that bind the African diaspora across continents.
Training for Freedom
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Monday, Feb. 9, at midnight
Sunday, Feb. 22, at 6 PM
In 1890, Mississippi had 190,000 registered Black voters. By 1966, that number was reduced to 2,000 due to a complicated voter registration process. This documentary is the transformational story of how idealistic college students and Black activist teachers came together in Oxford, Ohio, to fight as one in the freedom struggle that would define a nation and alter the course of history.
American Masters, Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 9 PM
Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7 PM
Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.
Lines Broken: The Story of Marion Motley
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Saturday, Feb. 14, at 6 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Monday, Feb. 23, at 9:30 PM
In 1946, Canton native Marion Motley was one of four African American men to break pro football’s color barrier when he joined the Cleveland Browns. This local production tells the Canton native’s story of adversity, personal tragedy and triumphs using rarely heard archival interviews and new interviews with historians, friends and descendants.
The King Celebration Concert
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 PM
Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 8 PM
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in partnership with Ebenezer Baptist Church present the return of the much-loved Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration concert. THE KING CELEBRATION CONCERT highlights both the musicians of the ASO and the church. Members of the ASO’s lauded chorus and the Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir are joined by jazz singer, Gregory Porter, and other special guest artists.
Black College Football Hall of Fame: Journey to Canton
PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, Feb. 15, at 6 PM
Monday, Feb. 23, at midnight
FUSION (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Monday, Feb. 16, at 9:30 PM
Learn the story of the formation of Black college football, the contributions that players from historically Black colleges and universities have made to the NFL, the founding of its hall of fame and why the hall is in the unexpected location of Canton.
Stream BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME: JOURNEY TO CANTON.
Becoming Frederick Douglass
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Monday, Feb. 16, at 10 PM
Discover how a man born into slavery became one of the most influential voices for democracy in American history. Oscar nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson explores the role Douglass played in securing the right to freedom for African Americans.
Echoes of Praise: Gospel Music in NY’s Capital Region
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 PM
Celebrate the rich tradition and legacy of gospel music in the Capital Region of NY with Echoes of Praise. From notable artists and religious leaders to people whose lives have been shaped by song, Echoes of Praise presents a moving tribute to this African American musical form that has enriched and defined the culture of our region.
American Masters, Sun Ra: Do The Impossible
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Friday, Feb. 20, at 9 PM
Discover the extraordinary life of poet, philosopher and music visionary Sun Ra. With his ever-evolving collective, the Sun Ra Arkestra, he self-produced more than 200 albums, stretching the boundaries of jazz.
Swing Lo’
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Friday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 PM
SWING LO' explores the life and tragic passing of up-and-coming visual artist Michael Richards, a New Yorker of Jamaican descent who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Michael’s body of work explores the Black experience in America. His life and art are discussed in the film by a handful of his peers and fans, including artists Dread Scott, Luis Grachos, and Charo Oquet, along with Perez Art Museum director Franklin Sirmans, gallerist Genaro Ambrosino, and curator Christine Y Kim, among others.
Always Looking: Titus Brooks Heagins
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1:30 PM
Explore the work of photographer Titus Brooks Heagins and the challenging questions his photos pose about the systemic and casual exclusions and neglect of society’s most vulnerable communities of color. Humanizing, reverent, and confrontational, Titus’ photographs document the overlooked: people who — usually through some intersection of poverty, race, or gender/sexual identity — exist as outsiders. ALWAYS LOOKING: TITUS BROOKS HEAGINS examines a complex, talented, passionate and compassionate figure. It also illuminates the fortitude it takes to be an outsider documenting other marginalized people.
The Historic HBCU Photograph
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2:30 PM
Against the backdrop of a debilitating pandemic, civil unrest, and the resumption of social activities as vaccines became available, alumni from the nation’s HBCUs gathered on the steps of Morningside Park in Harlem in 2021. Inspired by the iconic 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem,” the historic photograph symbolizes the unity, resilience, and enduring spirit of the HBCU community.
Nick Cave, Summit Lake: Heard
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Saturday, Feb. 21, at 6 PM
The production “Heard” by internationally renowned artist Nick Cave featured performers wearing Cave’s colorful horse-shaped raffia “soundsuits.” When it came to Akron, Ohio, it included a performance at a nearby inner-city community center, where residents were part of the performance. The project coincided with redevelopment efforts in the community orchestrated by the residents themselves.
Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond The Mask
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Feb. 21, at 9 PM
The documentary explores the life and legacy of the first African American to achieve national fame as a writer. Born to former slaves in Dayton, Ohio, Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) is best remembered for his poem “We Wear the Mask” and for lines from “Sympathy,” which inspired the title of Maya Angelou‘s famous autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Dunbar’s story mirrors the African American experience around the turn of the century. Referred to by abolitionist Frederick Douglass as “The most promising young colored man in America,” Dunbar also wrote short stories, novels, and widely published essays critical of Jim Crow laws, lynching, and what was commonly called “The Negro Problem.” Drawing richly on archival photographs, letters and newspaper articles, PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: BEYOND THE MASK chronicles the short but remarkable life and career of the influential poet and writer.
Akron 200: Forgotten History Forum Series, The History of the African American Church
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, Feb. 22, at noon
Monday, Feb. 23, at 8 PM
Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 1 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6 PM
Mark Greer, executive director of Akron 200, moderates a panel discussion on the local history of the African American church at Akron’s historic Wesley Temple AME Zion Church in the final episode of AKRON 200: FORGOTTEN HISTORY FORUM SERIES. Panelists include Ophelia Averitt, Bishop Samuel Hampton II, Bishop Marc L. Neal, the Rev. George Smith-Whitfield and Pamela Valentine.
POV Shorts, Songs of Black Folk
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, Feb. 22, at 1:30 PM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Friday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 PM
In “Songs of Black Folk,” leading Black musicians come together for a groundbreaking Juneteenth concert in the Pacific Northwest, creating a historic moment that paves the way for future generations of Black artists.
King of Them All: The Story of King Records
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 PM
Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 2 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, Feb. 15, at 10 PM
Saturday, Feb. 28, at 3 PM
This documentary explores the groundbreaking legacy of Cincinnati’s King Records. Founded in 1943 by Syd Nathan, King Records played a central role in shaping American popular music — from rock 'n' roll to soul and funk — while operating as one of the few fully integrated businesses in a segregated America. Through interviews, restored archival materials, and animation, the film showcases King’s boundary-breaking artists such as James Brown, Hank Ballard, Little Willie John and Grandpa Jones.
Willis “Bing” Davis: Reach High & Reach Back
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, Feb. 22, at 3 PM
Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 3 AM
Few people have had an impact on the arts as much as Willis “Bing” Davis, a highly influential African American artist, educator and community activist from Dayton, Ohio. Known for incorporating African and African American themes into his work, Davis’ art also focuses on social justice issues. His art often explores the intersection of race, identity, and history, as well as the power of community and collective action. The documentary explores Davis’ influence and impact on the art world and beyond.
Independent Lens, The Inquisitor
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Monday, Feb. 23, at 10 PM
Saturday, Feb. 28, at noon
Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan. Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of.