KLRU broadcasts programming created by and about people from all cultures year-round, from public affairs to history to independent film to kids programming. In celebration of Black History Month, KLRU and KLRU Q will broadcast a special lineup of programs exploring African American culture.
KLRU programs include:
D.W. Griffith’s 1915 The Birth of a Nation unleashed a battle still waging today about race relations and representation, and the power and influence of Hollywood. The film features Spike Lee, Reginald Hudlin, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and others. This episode of Independent Lens, “Birth of a Movement”, airs Monday, February 6 at 9:00 pm.
Austin Revealed “Civil Rights Stories” airs Monday, February 6 at 10:00 pm features interviews with prominent Austin citizens about their experience during Austin’s civil rights period, the effect of segregation and what gentrification has meant to the city.
Join host Samuel L. Jackson for an all-star tribute to singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson, the 2016 recipient of the Gershwin Prize, with a special appearance by Berry Gordy, founder of Motown. Smokey Robinson: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song airs Friday, February 10 at 8:00 pm and repeats on Sunday, February 12 at 3:00 pm.
This one-hour documentary presents one of the key figures of the Civil Rights Movement, Rep. John Lewis. Lewis was one of the leaders of the SNCC, one of the original Freedom Riders, and the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. The program follows Lewis today and tells the stories of his role in the Civil Rights Movement and early political career. John Lewis – Get in the Way airs Friday, February 10 at 10:30 pm and repeats Monday, February 20 at 10:00 pm.
Meet African-American musician Daryl Davis, who has a peculiar passion – meeting and befriending members of the Ku Klux Klan in an attempt to change their minds and forge racial conciliation, one racist at a time. This Independent Lens, “Accidental Courtesy”, airs Monday, February 13 at 9:00 pm.
In the wake of recent tragic and fatal events between men of color and law enforcement, learn how black and Hispanic families counsel their kids to stay safe if they are stopped by the police. Talk – Race in America airs Monday, February 20 at 8:00 pm.
Journey through the prolific life of the I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings author and activist who inspired generations with lyrical modern African-American thought, with new interviews from Oprah Winfrey, Common, the Clintons, and others. Maya Angelou: American Masters airs Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00 pm. Online we have a short film from Maya Angelou talking about Con Men.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. invites viewers to discover the complexity, grandeur and diversity of the great civilizations that once flourished across the African continent. The three part series, Africa’s Great Civilizations, airs February 27, February 28 and March 1 at 8:00 pm.
Black Women in Medicine honors black female doctors around the country who work diligently in all facets of medicine. By combining historical context with a look at the current generation coming up through the ranks, Black Women in Medicine chronicles stories of excellence and perseverance that engage, encourage and motivate, planting seeds of aspiration in the minds of future doctors. Black Women in Medicine airs Monday, February 27 at 10:00 pm.
Finding Your Roots, Season 3 continues with the premiere of episode seven, “Family Reunions,” featuring Sean Combs and LL Cool J. Finding Your Roots “Family Reunions” airs Tuesday, February 28 at 7:00 pm.
KLRUQ programming FEB. 19, 2017
On Sunday, February 19, join KLRUQ for a night reflecting and honoring lives of African Americans, past and present. Discover more information about race relations in the U.S. and how those have shaped politics today.
Colored Frames reflects on the last 50 years in African-American art by exploring the influences, inspirations and experiences of black artists. Beginning at the height of the Civil Rights Era and leading up to the present, it provides a truthful, unflinching look at often-ignored artists and their progeny. Colored Frames airs at 5:00 pm.
By interviewing local villagers, fishermen and truck drivers, and accessing their oral accounts, Ghosts of Amistad: In the Footsteps of the Rebels aims to recover the lost history of the Amistad insurrection, told from a seldom-voiced perspective in the historical struggle against slavery. The documentary chronicles a trip made by academics and historians to Sierra Leone in May of 2013 as they retrace the path of the 53 Africans who rebelled against their captors and seized the slave schooner Amistad in 1839, leading to a watershed US Supreme Court decision. Ghosts of Amistad: In the Footsteps of the Rebels airs at 7:00 pm
During the summer of 1964, the nation’s eyes were riveted on Mississippi. Over 10 memorable weeks known as Freedom Summer, more than 700 student volunteers joined with organizers and local African Americans in an historic effort to shatter the foundations of white supremacy in the nation’s most segregated state. Freedom Summer: American Experience begins at 8:00 pm.
Bridging The Divide tells the story of how Bradley’s coalition of African Americans, Jews, white liberals, Latinos and Asian Americans united a divided city, brought inclusion and access, and set the foundation for inter-racial coalitions that encouraged the elections of minority candidates nationwide, including President Barack Obama. Bridging The Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race airs at 10:00 pm.