OETA Premieres Great Migrations: A People on the Move – A Groundbreaking Docuseries from Henry Louis Gates Jr.
OETA is set to premiere a powerful new docuseries, Great Migrations: A People on the Move, hosted and written by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., on January 28, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. This four-part series explores the deeply impactful history of African American migration over the 20th and 21st centuries, shedding light on how these movements have shaped both individuals and American culture.
A Journey Through History and Hope
Great Migrations: A People on the Move tells the compelling story of African American migration, from the forced movement of enslaved people to the Great Migration of the early 20th century, and continuing to the more recent waves of reverse migration and the influx of African and Caribbean immigrants. The docuseries examines what drives people to move, whether out of necessity, hope, or fear, and the impact these migrations have had on American society.
Dr. Gates, known for his acclaimed series such as Finding Your Roots and The Black Church, takes viewers on a journey through pivotal moments in African American history. By exploring the profound effect of migration on culture, identity, and opportunity, Great Migrations uncovers stories of courage, resilience, and transformation.
Three Waves of Migration
The series focuses on three distinct waves of migration that have reshaped the African American experience in the U.S.:
The Great Migration (1910-1940): The first wave, when more than a million African Americans left the oppressive Jim Crow South for northern cities, seeking better opportunities and freedom from racial violence.
The Second Wave (1940-1970): The continued migration that saw Black Americans settle in the North and West, establishing powerful cultural and political communities.
The Reverse Migration and Immigration (1970s-Present): The reverse migration back to the South, coupled with the rise of African and Caribbean immigration, which has greatly influenced contemporary Black identity in America.
Notable Interviews and Expert Insights
Great Migrations features interviews with leading scholars, journalists, and cultural figures who provide deeper insights into the African American experience. Among the notable voices featured in the series are:
- Stacey Abrams, political leader and voting rights advocate
- Charles Blow, journalist and author
- George F. Baker III, artist and cultural historian
- And many more.
Gates explains, “The Great Migration was not just a seismic historical event; it’s an ongoing story. Our series focuses on these three dramatic migrations and what they’ve meant for reshaping American culture.”
Episode Breakdown
The four episodes of Great Migrations delve into each migration period, with rich storytelling, archival footage, and expert analysis. Here's a look at what you can expect:
Episode 1 – “Exodus” (January 28, 8:00 p.m.)
Focuses on the first wave of migration (1910–1940) when over a million Black Americans fled the Jim Crow South for better opportunities in the North and West, forever altering the landscape of American culture.
Episode 2 – “Streets Paved in Gold” (February 4, 8:00 p.m.)
This episode highlights the second wave (1940-1970), when Northern and Western Black communities matured, growing politically and culturally to transform Black America.
Episode 3 – “One Way Ticket Back” (February 11, 8:00 p.m.)
Examines the reverse migration to the South, a shift driven by economic change and a desire for freedom, showcasing how the South has evolved and reshaped African American life.
Episode 4 – “Coming to America” (February 18, 8:00 p.m.)
Chronicles the recent influx of African and Caribbean immigrants and explores how they’ve contributed to reshaping what it means to be Black in America today.
A Legacy of Groundbreaking Documentary Work
Henry Louis Gates Jr. has long been recognized for his exceptional work in bringing African American history to the forefront. His previous PBS projects, such as The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross and The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song, have earned critical acclaim, as has his popular show Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., which returns for its 11th season in January 2025.
Great Migrations builds on Gates’s ongoing mission to share the untold stories of African American history, while deepening our understanding of the African diaspora and its cultural significance.
A Collaborative Production
Great Migrations is a production of McGee Media and Inkwell Media, in association with WETA Washington, D.C. The series is executive produced by Dr. Gates and Dyllan McGee, with Julia Marchesi and Nailah Ife Sims serving as directors and producers. The series is made possible with support from major partners, including Bank of America, Ford Motor Company, Johnson & Johnson, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, among others.
About McGee Media
Founded by award-winning filmmaker Dyllan McGee, McGee Media is known for producing groundbreaking documentaries that highlight crucial moments in American history, with a focus on social justice and equality.
About Inkwell Media
Founded by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Inkwell Media creates high-quality documentary content that highlights the African and African American experience, aiming to make these stories accessible to a broad audience.
About WETA
WETA is one of the leading public media stations in Washington, D.C., known for producing impactful programs that educate, inspire, and engage viewers.
About PBS
PBS is a trusted public broadcaster, reaching millions of viewers across the United States with high-quality programming that explores culture, history, science, and public affairs. Visit PBS.org for more.