Chapter 1 | Jubilee Singers | American Experience | PBS

The story of a group of former slaves who battled prejudice and oppression to sing their way into a nation’s heart. Eventually, they would perform for presidents and queens, tour the United States and Europe, and establish songs like "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "This Little Light of Mine" as a cherished part of the nation’s musical heritage.
But the Jubilee Singers' contributions extended far beyond Fisk University. They had introduced the world to the power of spirituals and challenged racial stereotypes on two continents. "In their wake, hotels, railways, steamship lines, and boards of education integrated their facilities. The Jubilees not only introduced the world to the music of black America, they championed the liberties of all Americans," says Andrew Ward, co-writer of the documentary and author of "Dark Midnight When I Rise: The Story of the Jubilee Singers." More than 125 years later, the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University continue the concert tradition begun by that courageous original chorus of former slaves.
Learn more about JUBILEE SINGERS, including where to watch the documentary: www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexper...

[@AmericanExperiencePBS]

Learn more about JUBILEE SINGERS, including where to watch the documentary: www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/singers/

[@cynthiaperry8377]

THANK YOU!!!

[@racheld376]

Where can I watch the full documentary??? The website doesn't say how, just an amazon link to a VHS copy that's out of stock. is it available to stream at all?

[@artymsoja2883]

where can I watch this outside of the US 😭😭

[@Katie-qg7xz]

I have a book written in the 1870's and there is an article about the Jubilee Singers. It was so interesting how even then Brits were so judgemental about how black people were treated by Americans.

[@lightskintwin]

@@gracefulkimberella LOL @ thinking this division only effects the South and somehow excludes Texas and Florida. Our systems and institutions were built on White Supremacy and despite the progress we have made, it still infects it. Racism, specifically against Blacks, has evolved in various ways but is still present because everything is built on the past. When Martin Luther King visited Chicago towards the end of his life to march about open housing, quality education, transportation and job access, income and employment, health, wealth generation, crime and the criminal justice system, community development, tenants rights, and quality of life he was shocked at how racist the residents were. Boston is still one of the most segregated cities for example. it's legacy and negative effects is everywhere in America. I suggest you do more research on the subject before perpetuating this false narrative that somehow only the South is still effected by this division.

[@presterjohn1697]

When foreigners from all over the world take plantation tours they are shocked and aghast that children were sold away from their parents.

[@FiskJubileeSingers]

A classic. Thank you for sharing our story!

[@jujulay9892]

As a Nashville native my family been here for centuries. This was a very great documentary. Today the school still stands. I think my ancestors for keeping this with us 1866-2013 still standing strong and one of the best HBCU’s

[@daletacademyvideolearning9958]

Wonderful. Shared this with my student!

[@MsLotusBlooms]

Education is a privilege and honor to pursue.

[@carolae.4014]

What an amazing story about this woman, who was part of the beginning of this now famous and most authentic group singing spirituals today.

[@deloreswillis9224]

amen

[@deloreswillis9224]

Such a “ABSOLUTE “ info💕♥️🙏🏿💕♥️ thank you very much for enlightening me!!!!

[@615BlackBarbie]

He better sing! Thanks for this upload ♥️

[@mortifersoldat]

A must match - everyone

[@kenyettadelgado7160]

Very very interesting to learn and see thanks appreciate it our history

[@deloreswillis9224]

Yessssss

[@gracefulkimberella]

Why isn't the whole program here? Is there rest going to be posted?

[@shannon63]

Kimberly Julia Johnston It’s a trailer

[@AmericanExperiencePBS]

Hi Kimberly! The documentary is airing on PBS on Tuesday, November 19 at 9/8c. You can tune in to your local PBS station to watch it that night, or stream it online or on the PBS Video app. You can find more here: www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/singers/

[@Newton14alan]

@@AmericanExperiencePBS -- Are there any fees associated with watching your programs, such as the one offered here? I noticed that you ask for donations. Fair enough. It's supported by The Public. But are there any fees beyond that?

[@rk41gator]

Does Nashville or Tennessee provide any support?

[@yuwonder80]

Not really

[@rkress9349]

@@yuwonder80 Why am I not surprised? The ignorant state and city 'leaders' seldom lead but follow. They let the wonderful Georgia O'Keefe painting collection that was given to Fisk University be sold to the Walton family due to lack of support. Nashville should have moved heaven and earth to keep it and publicize it as a world class culture tourist attraction. But no. It was almost impossible to find it years ago. What a gem to be lost!

[@aarondigby5054]

​@@rkress9349Tennessee always seems to slip backwards, they just hD discrepancies with black elected officials but a backlash of resistance thwarted that injustice even an elected white lady representative fought with the resistsnce.

[@lucinda2329]

❤ ✿❧🌿❧✿ ❤

[@babasavassf1761]

So Many Words T🇺🇸Y….🩸🥺😶

[@TruthMatters1202]

To say *what", to you I may ask, sir?