New PBS Series Explores Intersections of Black and Jewish History in America

Four-part documentary "Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History" presented by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The new four-part PBS documentary series "Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History" presented by renowned scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the complex and intertwined histories of the Black and Jewish communities in the United States. The series examines how the two groups have faced discrimination and oppression, while also highlighting moments of alliance and cooperation throughout American history.

Why it matters

The study of history, especially the difficult and messy parts, is crucial to understanding the present and avoiding repeating past mistakes. This series aims to shed light on the shared experiences of marginalization that have at times brought the Black and Jewish communities together, as well as the moments of tension and division, providing important context for contemporary social and political dynamics.

The details

The series covers a wide range of topics, from the early presence of Jews of African descent in America, to the role of Jewish activists in the civil rights movement, to the shifting alliances between the two communities over time. It features interviews with prominent figures from both communities, including authors, journalists, rabbis, and historians, who provide firsthand accounts and insights into this complex history.

  • The four-part series premiered on PBS in February 2026, at the start of Black History Month.
  • The series is presented weekly, with new episodes airing each week.

The players

Henry Louis Gates Jr.

A renowned scholar, author, and television presenter who hosts the series and is a professor at Harvard University.

David Remnick

The editor of The New Yorker and a participant in the opening Seder discussion.

Jamaica Kincaid

An acclaimed author who also participates in the opening Seder discussion.

Esther Fein

A journalist who takes part in the opening Seder discussion.

Michael Twitty

A culinary historian who provides the Seder meal, featuring a fusion of kosher, West African, and Creole cuisines.

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What they’re saying

“Under the floorboards of Western culture run two streams, continuously. One is antisemitism, one is anti-Black racism.”

— Henry Louis Gates Jr., Series Presenter (twincities.com)

“I'm more convinced than ever before that our destiny is tied up with the destiny of our Jewish brothers and vice versa, and we must work together.”

— Martin Luther King Jr. (twincities.com)

“People who hate Jews, uncannily hate Black people too. Because when the stuff hits the fan, they're coming after both of us.”

— Henry Louis Gates Jr., Series Presenter (twincities.com)

What’s next

The series will continue to air weekly on PBS, with the final episode scheduled for March 2026.

The takeaway

This comprehensive series provides an illuminating and timely exploration of the complex and often intertwined histories of the Black and Jewish communities in America, highlighting both their shared experiences of oppression and their moments of alliance and cooperation. It serves as an important reminder of the need to confront the difficult aspects of our past in order to build a more just and equitable future.