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Celebrate Black History Month with WOUB, Ohio University and community partners for a special screening of PBS’s “GOSPEL” along with regional musical performances


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ATHENS, OH – WOUB Public Media is partnering with the Southeast Ohio History Center, the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center, and the Ohio University School of Music to celebrate Black History Month with a screening of PBS’s GOSPEL. The docuseries explores the rich history of Black spirituality through sermon and song from executive producer, host, and writer Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

In GOSPEL, Gates, the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard University and director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, speaks with dozens of clergymen, singers, and scholars about their connection to the music that has transcended its origins and now spreads “the good word” all around the world. The series features interviews with notable names including Dionne Warwick, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, Rev. Otis Moss III, professor Michael Eric Dyson, and awe-inspiring musical performances of Gospel favorites Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus, Total Praise, and others from talents including The Belle Singers, Cory Henry, Celisse, and more.

The event will be held on February 10 at the Southeast Ohio History Center, 24 W. State Street, in Athens. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. In addition to the screening, there will be performances by Ohio University’s Singing Men of Ohio, Kezia Waters and Dr. Patricia Cambridge. The event is free and open to the public.

Gospel is more than the soundtrack of the African American experience, “it’s the beating heart and soul,” said Gates. “From the Great Migration to today, the history of Black gospel music and preaching is one of constant movement, and it’s long been a dream of mine to bring it to public television. We’re blessed to have such outstanding partners in delivering this series and concert at a time in our nation when the need for Gospel’s transcendent, healing powers is so great.”

The series will premiere on WOUB February 12 and 13, 2024, with a special companion concert premiering February 9.