Celebrate The Black Church Experience In North Texas
Watch The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song here.
The intimate two-part documentary series The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song explores how African Americans have worshipped for 400 years — and how those faith traditions have shaped American history.
The series, which aired in February 2021, inspired KERA to celebrate the Black church through learning. Immerse yourself in stories, history, conversations, music and memories from across North Texas:
Read stories by KERA’s award-winning newsroom, like how Black churches helped the city of Dallas rein in payday lenders. And visit visit Art&Seek for arts stories like one about an archive at Baylor University that’s trying to save older Black gospel recordings.
This timeline shares glimpses of African American arrival, congregation establishment and modern church growth across the North Texas. You’ll scroll starting in 1847, beginning with a log cabin in Dallas.
Download a toolkit with recipes and dinner conversation prompts. Get a Bible study guide for your church’s discipleship group. Take a guided tour of music from the documentary. And download a coloring packet of women who were significant to both the church and civil rights.
KERA invited students to recite a speech about how understanding the Black church’s journey is relevant to today’s movements for racial justice.
Dr. Evelyn L. Parker, Dr. Michael Waters and Pastor William T. Glynn joined moderator Bob Ray Sanders, — former Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist and KERA TV reporter — to discuss the impact of the Black church in North Texas.
Our Community Partners
We appreciate our community partners who have worked with us on this project. They are committed to spreading justice, knowledge and hope throughout North Texas.
▸ NAACP Fort Worth Tarrant County Branch
▸ National Council of Churches
▸ Paul Quinn College
▸ Perkins School of Theology, SMU
GOSPEL PLAYLIST
Music Inspired By The Black Church
Enjoy a selection of gospel music hand-picked by KERA 90.1 FM’s sister station, KXT 91.7 FM. (If you don’t have a Spotify account and want to listen to the whole playlist, you can sign up for free when prompted.)
CLIPS & ANIMATED VIDEOS
Part I of this moving series by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of African American religion. Part II traces how the Black church expanded to address social inequality and minister to those in need. Read more about the film.
How could a nation embrace a gospel and Constitution that were so clearly anti-slavery and still justify slavery? Watch Part 1 of WETA’s animated series exploring key Black church figures in America. Read more about the videos.
NPR TINY DESK VIDEO
“I know you’re at home right now, in your draws, listening to some Jesus music. It’s ok. Jesus loves you in your draws!” For three decades, Kirk Franklin has been widely regarded for revolutionizing gospel music. Listen to his remote NPR Tiny Desk concert, recorded right in the heart of North Texas at Uncle Jessie’s Kitchen, a studio in downtown Arlington.
MORE RESOURCES
▸ Explore U.S. racial justice and Black history with our collection of PBS documentaries and programs.
▸ PBS also has a collection of resources to help parents discuss race and racism with children.
▸ View KERA’s statement of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
