Black History Month Specials
A series of shows celebrating the African American experience in New York.

Specials air multiple times during the month. See the schedule for dates and times.

African Burial Ground
The politically charged story of the discovery of the African Burial Ground in lower Manhattan. Directed by David Kutz. See schedule.

Adam Clayton Powell
A compelling portrait of the legendary African American leader, as well as a fascinating look at the beginning of modern black politics in this country. See schedule

Barry Harris: The Spirit of Bebop
An intimate portrait of the modern jazz pianist who played with some of the best known musicians of the fifties and sixties. See schedule

The Dancing Man: Peg Leg Bates
The life story of Clayton Bates, who lost his left leg in an accident at the age of 12, but overcame this tragedy to become a legendary jazz dancer. See schedule

I Promise to Remember: The Story of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
This documentary follows the meteoric career of the enormously popular rock and roll group of the fifties whose music broke the color barrier. See schedule

I Remember Harlem. Part One: The Early Years: 1600 - 1930
A history of Harlem, beginning when the Dutch settlers take it over from the Lenape Indian Nation, and following up to the end of World War I, when Harlem becomes the center of two African American movements, one political and one artistic. Directed by William Miles. See schedule

I Remember Harlem. Part Two: The Depression Years: 1930 - 1940
The story of Harlem during the Depression. Ethnic division, riots, Father Divine, Joe Louis, the WPA. Told by the people who lived it. Directed by William Miles. See schedule

I Remember Harlem. Part Three: Toward Freedom: 1940- 1965
Harlem, from Adam Clayton Powell and the Apollo Theatre, through World War II's segregated army and food rationing, to the beginning of Bebop music and the arrival of Malcolm X. Directed by William Miles. See schedule

I Remember Harlem. Part Four: Toward a New Day: 1965 - 1980
A retracing of Harlem's recent history, from the politically heated Sixties, to the move of religious institutions into the forefront of community activism and redevelopment. Directed by William Miles. See schedule

M & M Smith: For Posterity's Sake
An exploration of the lives and accomplishments of twin brothers Morgan and Marvin Smith, whose work in photography, painting and film documented the vibrant beauty of Harlem's Golden Age. Narrated by Ruby Dee, featuring Eartha Kitt. Directed by Heather Lyons. See schedule

The Negro Ensemble Company
A testament to the vision, persistence and accomplishments of the NEC, a theater company founded in 1967 to create theater concentrating on themes of black life. Directed by Richard Kilberg. See schedule

New York Noir: The History of Black New York
An historical look at the African-Americans who have had a profound impact on the history of New York City. From Jan Rodriquez, the first free black sailor for the Dutch Fur Trading Company in 1613, to Colin Powell, Secretary of State under President George W. Bush today, New York Noir examines business and politics, sports and entertainment, science and discovery in order to celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to New York City and the World. See schedule

Power Memorial: The Legend of Kareem
An examination of the illustrious high school basketball career of Kareem Abdul Jabar, who helped lead Power Memorial Academy to an amazing 95-6 record, including a 71 game winning streak. See schedule

The Spitball Story
Legendary musicians Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Hinton and Jonah Jones clear up the mystery of the fabled 'spitball story' from the forties, when all three were members of Cab Calloway's famous band. Directed by Jean Bach, 1997. See schedule

Straight Up Rappin'
Rap as it is declaimed in the streets of New York, straight up — without music. See schedule

Willie Mays: In His Own Words
One of the greatest baseball players of all time reflects on his career. A Metro original production. See schedule