THE BLACK AMERICAN EXPERIENCE celebrates 200 years of change in America. From children of slavery to the first African American elected President, this Series is an inspiring journey of courage, defeat and triumph that celebrates outstanding men and women who left their stamp on history. Their stories are a vivid reminder that Yes, We Can – overcome hardship and oppression through the strength of our beliefs and personal sacrifice. Each program paints an intimate portrait of history’s most influential and inspiring players set against the most turbulent and changing times in American history.

This five volume ‘added value’ series, with 2 programs per disc, paints an intimate portrait of history’s most influential and inspiring players set against some of the most turbulent and changing times in American social, political, cultural and economic history.

Witness the great leaders and legends that through the decades have changed our country's landscape.

Chester Himes
This program is a moving portrait of a man who used his literary talents to vent his rage against an unjust society

Ralph Ellison
Ellison's ambitious journey from a childhood of hardship and poverty to celebrated African American writer is chronicled in this inspiring program

RALPH ELLISON was an African-American writer and essayist, who’s only novel INVISIBLE MAN (1953) gained a wide critical success. He remarked that “Literature is Colorblind”, using racial issues as a means to express the universal dilemmas of identity and self-discovery. Despite the social and political boundaries in place during the 1950’s for a black man with no formal education, Ellison has been compared to such writers as Melville and Hawthorne.

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams
His notable achievements as a Cardiac Surgeon helped to revolutionize the field of medicine and humanize its practices

Charles Drew
The first Black surgeon to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery

Charles Drew set a standard of excellence unparalleled by most of his white contemporaries. In 1943, his distinction in his profession was recognized when he became the first Black surgeon to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. Despite the prejudices of American society in the first half of the 20th century, Charles Drew persevered in his practice and was never afraid to stand up for his beliefs and racial equality.

Mary Mcleod Bethune
Follow her illustrious path from the cotton fields of the South to renowned African American educator, leader of women & champion of racial equality

Shirley Chisholm
Her legacy of political and social activism laid the foundation for the rise of women and Blacks in American politics

SHIRLEY CHISHOLM was the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first to campaign for the presidency. Her legacy of political and social activism laid the foundation for the rise of women and Blacks in American politics. This program is a celebration of her life and a political diary from the 1960’s through the 1970’s during an era of political transition and social change. In this inspiring program, Shirley Chisholm emerges as a charismatic leader and social reformer that achieved positive change in American politics and society for future generations.

Ida B. Wells
A community organizer and grass roots leader who was a precursor of the modern Civil Rights movement

Fannie Lou Hammer
An inspiration to anyone who has ever faced oppression & a powerful reminder of what one individual is capable of achieving in the face of adversity

FANNIE LOU HAMER was an inspirational speaker and writer. She used her powerful voice to raise the cause of equality and freedom for all blacks in America and became a defining force in the fight against social injustice during the early years of the civil rights movement. She will be remembered for winning the right to vote for Black Americans and exposing America’s poverty by giving a voice to those in need. This program is an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced oppression and acts as a powerful reminder of what one individual is capable of achieving in the face of adversity.

Paul Robeson
One of the most talented performers of his time & a dedicated humanitarian who ultimately sacrificed fame and fortune for what he believed in

Richard Wright
A major influence on world literature & politics, who brought the Black Experience to the forefront of social discourse

RICHARD WRIGHT was an African-American author of novels, short stories and non-fiction that dealt with powerful themes and controversial topics. Much of his works concerned racial themes that helped redefine discussions of race relations in America in the mid-20th century. This program follows his arduous path from sharecropper to literary giant.