Partial logo from the PBS historical and cultural exploration of the Black Church in America.

In a sweeping, song-filled and emotional telling, Henry Louis Gates takes viewers through the beginnings of the Black Church in America, from its beginnings in white Christianity with influence from home countries and spiritual traditions that enslaved people brought with them. The 400-year history of the Black Church reveals influence during the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, right up to today’s Black Lives Matter. The episodes broadcast on television in Anchorage on Feb. 16 and 17, and are still available on the web for viewing. Find Episode 1 and Episode 2 at PBS.org.

Pastor M.A. Bunton of Greater Friendship Baptist Church.

In this week’s Hometown Alaska, we host pastors of three local churches to share reflections on Gates’ history and appreciation of the Black Church. In addition, they’ll introduce us to their own churches and ministries.

HOST: Kathleen McCoy

Pastor Undra Parker of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

• Pastor Dr. William Greene, Eagle River Missionary Baptist Church
• Pastor Undra Parker, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
• Pastor M.A. Bunton, Greater Friendship Baptist Church

LINKS:

• Greater Friendship Baptist Church website and Facebook
• How Greater Friendship Baptist Church made its mark in Alaska and civil rights history, David Reamer for Anchorage Daily News, 6-7-2020
• Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church website and Facebook
• Eagle River Missionary Baptist Church Facebook
• APD honors Rev. Greene upon his retirement, short video, APD Facebook, 11/2020
• Black Women were Vital to the Black Church, story on PBS NewsHour 2.19.21
• ‘The Black Church’ on PBS, website
• Watch ‘The Black Church’ episode 1 and episode 2, here

Rev. Dr. William Greene, pastor of Eagle River Missionary Baptist Church.

PARTICIPATE:

• Call 550-8433 (Anchorage) or 1-888-353-5752 (statewide) during the live broadcast (10-11 a.m.).
• Send e-mail to [email protected] before, during or after the live broadcast (E-mails may be read on air).
• Post your comment or question below (Comments may be read on air).
• LIVE: Monday, Feb. 22, 2021 at 10 a.m
• RE-AIR: Monday, Feb. 22, 2021 at 8 p.m.
• PODCAST: On this page after the show