Africans in America

How did America build a new nation based on principles of liberty and equality while justifying the existence of slavery? Did American slavery and American freedom have to exist side by side in the nation? How has this history shaped current views about race? Africans in America: America's Journey through Slavery, takes on these tough questions in a four-part documentary series which debuted in October, 1998 on PBS. As the United States continues to struggle with issues of race and equality in modern society, this landmark television event examines the historical roots of some of today's most disturbing social problems. Africans in America executive producer Orlando Bagwell believes it's important to look back and learn from the past. "When we realize that we've spent more time as a people with slavery than without it, we can begin to see it as a centerpiece of our national identity," says Bagwell. "My hope is that Africans in America offers an opportunity for open discussion of issues that Americans have not been comfortable talking about. If we recognize our shared history--then we're on the road to reconciling racial divisiveness."