2019 Black History Month at The Paley

A multifaceted experience, Shaping Our Nation's Story: African-American Achievements in Television Presented by Citi at The Paley is a monthlong celebration of Black History, featuring an interactive exhibit, family activities, and special screenings highlighting significant African-American moments in television.

See a celebration of Motown at 60! with highlights of legendary Motown artists on television over six decades from the Paley Archive. You will see such iconic singers as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5 performing early in their careers on TV, as well as highlights from two of Motown’s most illustrious and enduring specials, TCB and Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. Additionally, visit the Paley Center library to watch the full programs in our African-American Collection.

In the gallery you can watch exclusive Paley Center compilations of the television work of African-American actors, writers, producers, journalists, athletes, and musicians who had a powerful impact on American society and culture. We hope you will discover some inspiring facts about these artists that you did not know before.

In the interactive video display, test your knowledge about our featured African-American achievers and quiz yourself on your Motown mojo. Plus, learn about the civil rights movement from its coverage on television. Rounding out the exhibit will be a special Paley Center collage where visitors can write what about the exhibit inspired them most on a Post-it and place it on a wall to create a collage, some of which will be shared on Paley social media channels.

Public Events:

• Februrary 25 (7 p.m.) - A Legendary Evening with Mary Wilson 

Weekend Screening Schedule:

• February 2 - Black Comedy in America
• Februrary 3 - Spotlight on Drama
• February 9 & 10 - TCB & Motown 25: Two Specials for the Ages
• February 16 - A Salute to Soul Train
• February 17 - A Salute to Jackie Robinson and the Greatest African-American Athletes
• Februrary 23 & 24 - Queen Sugar Marathon

Weekend Screenings for Families

• February 2 & 3, 23 & 24 - Doc McStuffins Marathon & Special Preview
• February 9 & 10, 16 & 17 - We Are Family!

Family Activities

Using the exhibit and screenings as inspiration, families are invited to celebrate the rich history of Motown’s musical talent by designing their own Motown album covers and baseball cards using art supplies and their imaginations, and pose on weekends for a free souvenir digital photo putting you in the spotlight with the mic!

All events are free and open to the public. Ticketed events are noted.