Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History

Professor Gates in a chair with the title of the documentary above him

Publication information:

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 2026. Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History. Writer, host, and executive producer. Television documentary, PBS (four, one-hour episodes).

Abstract

Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History is a four-part series tracing the rich, complex relationship between Black and Jewish Americans — defined by solidarity and strained by division. Drawn together by racism and antisemitism, they forged civic and cultural bonds, especially during the civil rights era. The series explores both the challenges and enduring promise of that alliance.