Nation Jun 28 How pioneering comedian Robin Tyler used humor to fight for LGBTQ+ rights By John Yang, Kaisha Young, Jiaya Echevarria
Nation Feb 08 Watch 7:15 The history of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in America Since President Trump returned to the White House, he’s issued executive orders that target diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, dismantling decades of federal anti-discrimination policy. This Black History Month, John Yang explores the origins of DEI in America for our… By John Yang, Ali Rogin, Kaisha Young, Zoie Lambert
Nation Aug 04 Watch 7:01 The hidden history of Black sailors unjustly punished after the Port Chicago explosion Eighty years ago, 320 people died in a massive explosion at a Navy munitions depot in Port Chicago, California. About two-thirds of those killed were Black sailors who loaded bombs and ammunition onto ships, and when 50 survivors refused to… By Ali Rogin, Kaisha Young
Arts Jul 28 Watch 2:40 How Lois Curtis paved the way for equal rights for Americans with disabilities For the next installment in our “Hidden Histories” series, Ali Rogin brings us the story of Lois Curtis, an artist whose lawsuit 25 years ago over the conditions of her confinement in state institutions ended up at the Supreme Court… By Ali Rogin, Andrew Corkery
Nation Jun 30 Watch 7:31 How the Lavender Scare forced LGBTQ+ workers out of the federal government On this final day of Pride Month, the next installment of our “Hidden Histories'' series isn’t about an individual, but a phenomenon: how the anti-communist paranoia that gripped Washington at the dawn of the Cold War led to an often-overlooked… By John Yang, Claire Mufson
May 25 Watch 3:46 The struggles and breakthroughs of Chinese American movie star Anna May Wong By John Yang, Winston Wilde, Satvi Sunkara Anna May Wong was a pioneering actress considered to be the first major Asian American film star, despite the limits imposed by Hollywood’s racism. As this year’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month draws to a close,… Continue watching
May 11 Watch 4:24 The history-making legacy of Asian American photographer Corky Lee By John Yang, Winston Wilde, Satvi Sunkara May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. For our “Hidden Histories” series, we learn about Corky Lee, a photographer who chronicled the daily lives, struggles and contributions of Asian Americans, a community that is often marginalized,… Continue watching
Mar 30 Watch 5:15 Centenarian Bennie Fleming reflects on her dedication to a life of service By Michelle San Miguel, Barbara Dury and Justin Kenny, Rhode Island PBS Weekly For our “Hidden Histories” series as Women’s History Month draws to a close, Rhode Island PBS Weekly’s Michelle San Miguel introduces us to Bennie Fleming, a 100-year-old woman who embodies what it means to live a life of service —… Continue watching
Mar 17 Watch 5:46 The life and achievements of chemist Stephanie Kwolek, inventor of Kevlar By Ali Rogin, Claire Mufson, Lana Green Kevlar is a fiber that’s stronger than steel, and it’s revolutionized everything from military and police body armor to sports equipment. For our “Hidden Histories” series this Women’s History Month, we learn about Stephanie Kwolek, the pioneering researcher who invented… Continue watching
Feb 18 Watch 9:26 The often misunderstood legacy of the Black Panther Party By John Yang, Kaisha Young, Andrew Chambers, Winston Wilde, Azhar Merchant, Juliet Fuisz In the 1960s civil rights movement, some concluded that non-violence and the focus on integration had failed — their cry was “Black Power” rather than “We Shall Overcome.” One of the most prominent of these groups was the Black Panther… Continue watching