The right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights in a Democracy, and yet who has been allowed to vote in America has been a battle that’s been bitterly waged for decades.  Two new documentaries; John Lewis: Good Trouble, about the legendary Civil Rights activist and Congressman; and American Experience’s two-part series The … READ MORE

It would be foolhardy to try to succinctly sum up the political history of one of America’s most historically politically complicated cities–Chicago–in one sweeping post. Rather, consider this a basic primer of touchstones that connect some key dots, with recommendations for ways to learn more, as you think about the histories presented in two essentially … READ MORE

The thing about claiming territory and property is that it takes up space, and taking up space literally makes a huge statement; it becomes a platform for discussing who built something there, and why. So when black musician Daryl Davis shares his collection of former KKK members’ robes and his hopes of opening a “Museum … READ MORE

The story of the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission in Spies of Mississippi is far from the only instance of US government spying on American citizens. From the MI-8 and Operation SHAMROCK to 1971’s FBI files revelation to Edward Snowden and the NSA, read our survey of some of the more startling cases of domestic surveillance.

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Filmmaker Dawn Porter spoke about her second feature documentary, Spies of Mississippi, which explores a lesser-known chapter in American civil rights history. Porter talks about what surprised her the most and what makes it different from previous Civil Rights stories we have seen before. 

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Incredibly, tomorrow marks the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington, and PBS and Independent Lens are pleased to honor the occasion with a rebroadcast of the illuminating documentary The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights. The program will air 10 PM* on Tuesday night, August 27th or Wednesday night, August 28th (*check … READ MORE

The most fascinating chapters of America’s past, including our stories of tragedy, pride, creativity, and triumph, are arguably contained in African American history. Black History Month is our yearly pop-up reminder to reconnect with these stories. Though, as last year’s Independent Lens documentary More Than a Month points out, why contain it to just one … READ MORE

The Powerbroker has its roots deep in filmmaker Bonnie Bowell’s childhood. She talked with Independent Lens about growing up before civil rights, and how her grandparents had a profound influence on her, and on her uncle, Whitney Young, Jr. 

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Filmmaker Bonnie Boswell recently ran across a letter her uncle, Whitney Young, Jr., had written just days before he died in 1971. It’s just a simple family letter, but we thought it was pretty special, so we’re sharing it with you.

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Hardly anyone knows about The Green Book now, but from 1936 to 1964, it was an essential publication for African Americans who hoped to travel safely. The book listed businesses that welcomed blacks during a time when segregation and Jim Crow laws often made travel difficult — and sometimes dangerous.

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Lives Worth Living filmmakers Eric Neudel and Alison Gilkey recently returned from presenting their film in Moscow at Breaking Down Barriers, an international disability film festival. The festival is a celebration of diversity, showcasing films from across the globe that promote a positive message about disability. We sat down with Gilkey to learn more about … READ MORE

Premiering tonight, February 2 on Independent Lens (check your local listings), Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock examines the life and legacy of Daisy Bates, who organized nine African American children to integrate Central High School in the Arkansas capitol in 1957, after the Supreme Court decision on Brown vs. The Board of Education. … READ MORE