WGBH: Basic Black

Note: this is a series of our blog posts looking at stories and activities of PBS Member Stations.

“Basic Black” is public television’s longest-running program that focuses on the interests of people of color. It celebrated its 50^th anniversary at WGBH Studio in Boston, MA in 2018. The show was originally called “Say Brother” when it was created in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement as a response to the demand for public television programs, reflecting the concerns of communities of color. Since its creation, “Basic Black” has addressed current events and provided a platform for local voices on national issues. In 2018, it covered social and political issues such as gun ownership in minority communities, the wave of diverse new faces after the mid-term elections, the creation of generational wealth, building a diverse pipeline of teachers of color, and the Asian American discrimination suit against Harvard University. Click here to learn more about the latest episodes of the show.