The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross

The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross (2013)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross chronicles the full sweep of the African-American experience, from the origins of the transatlantic slave trade to the reelection and second inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Noted Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. recounts the full trajectory of African-American history in his groundbreaking new six-part series The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Written and presented by Professor Gates, the six-hour series explores the evolution of the African-American people, as well as the multiplicity of cultural institutions, political strategies, and religious and social perspectives they developed — forging their own history, culture, and society against unimaginable odds. Commencing with the origins of slavery in Africa, the series moves through five centuries of remarkable historic events right up to the present — when America is led by a black president, yet remains a nation deeply divided by race.

Streaming

Watch Now

Network
Scheduleevery Tuesday at 20:00 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E06A More Perfect Union (1968-2013)Nov 26, 2013
S01E05Rise! (1940-1968)Nov 19, 2013
S01E04Making a Way Out of No Way (1897-1940)Nov 12, 2013
S01E03Into the Fire (1861-1896)Nov 5, 2013
S01E02The Age of Slavery (1800-1860)Oct 29, 2013
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' premiere?

'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' premiered on October 22, 2013.

Who is the host of 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross'?

'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' is hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

What is the genre of 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross'?

'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' is a documentary series.

Who produced 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross'?

The series was produced by Kunhardt McGee Productions.

What is the main focus of 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross'?

'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' explores the history and experiences of African Americans.

Who are some of the notable individuals featured in 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross'?

The series features interviews and stories from prominent figures such as Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and Colin Powell, among others.

What historical periods does 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' cover?

The series covers a range of historical periods, including slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Jim Crow era, and the Civil Rights Movement.

What is the significance of the title 'Many Rivers to Cross'?

The title 'Many Rivers to Cross' symbolizes the numerous challenges and obstacles faced by African Americans throughout history.

Who narrates 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross'?

The series is narrated by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

How was 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' received by critics?

'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' received critical acclaim for its comprehensive and insightful exploration of African American history.

Did 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' win any awards?

Yes, the series won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Historical Program - Long Form in 2014.

How does 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' contribute to the understanding of African American history?

'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of African American history, shedding light on the contributions, struggles, and resilience of the African American community.

Does 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' include reenactments?

Yes, the series includes dramatic reenactments to bring key historical events to life.

Are there any primary source materials featured in 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross'?

Yes, the series incorporates primary source materials, including diaries, letters, and other historical documents, to provide a richer understanding of African American history.

What impact did 'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' have on viewers and discussions about race in America?

'The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross' sparked important conversations about race in America and helped raise awareness about the history and ongoing challenges faced by African Americans.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Chicago Fire
Running

Chicago Fire

No job is more stressful, dangerous or exhilarating than those of the Firefighters, Rescue Squad and Paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51. These are the courageous men and women who forge headfirst into danger when everyone else is running the other way and whose actions make the difference between life and death. These are their stories.

Mayor of Kingstown
Running

Mayor of Kingstown

Mayor of Kingstown is set in a small Michigan town where the only industry remaining are federal, state, and private prisons, the story follows the McLusky family, the power brokers between the police, criminals, inmates, prison guards and politicians, in a city completely dependent on prisons and the prisoners they contain. It is a stark and brutal look at the business of incarceration.

GenreDrama
Will Trent
Running

Will Trent

In Will Trent Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta's overwhelmed foster care system. But now, determined to use his unique point of view to make sure no one is abandoned like he was, Trent has the highest clearance rate in the GBI.

GenreDrama, Crime
Your Friends & Neighbors
Running

Your Friends & Neighbors

Coop is a recently divorced hedge fund manager who, after being fired, resorts to stealing from the wealthy residents in his tony upstate New York suburb in order to keep his family's lifestyle afloat. These petty crimes begin to reinvigorate him until he breaks into the wrong house at the wrong time.

GenreDrama
High Potential
Running

High Potential

High Potential follows Morgan, a single mom with an exceptional mind, whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual and unstoppable partnership with a by-the-book seasoned detective.