Black History Month at The Paley

On Saturdays and Sundays in February, enjoy free screenings from the African-American Collection in the Paley Archive, including a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, classic comedy programs, a Scandal marathon, and previews of two new documentaries. Also on Saturdays, The Paley Center will offer Black History Month programming for families.

Families are welcome to enjoy drop-in activities that celebrate African-American history and pop culture. Kids will be able to create their own “Knowledge Trading Cards” to give recognition and credit to a civil rights movement hero they’d like to see honored during Black History Month. Kids can also use their creativity to create their own superheroes with "Hero Cards." Children will learn about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., with engaging worksheets.

Screening Schedules:

• Black History Month: Ella Fitzgerald Centennial Celebration |  February 3 & 4 , 2018; Starting at 12:15 pm - The Paley Center celebrates the centennial of “The First Lady of Song,” the beloved American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald (who was born on April 25, 1917, and died on June 15, 1996) with screenings of rare television programs from the Paley Archive. At the First Annual Grammy Awards in 1959, which honored musical accomplishments for 1958, Fitzgerald became the first African-American woman to win a Grammy and the first woman to win multiple Grammys—receiving awards for Best Female Vocal Performance for Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Song Book and Best Individual Jazz Performance for Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book.

• ​Black History Month: Comedy | February 10 & 11, 2018; Starting at 12:15 pm - A celebration of some of the great African-American pioneers in the field of comedy features a quartet of rarely seen programs, including two all-star specials and episodes from some 1970s variety shows, featuring Dick Gregory, Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, and more.

• Black History Month: Scandal Marathon | February 17 & 18, 2018; Starting at 12:15 pm - Gladiators, rejoice: two days of Scandal screenings! Join us to celebrate “Olivia’s Swan Song,” as creator Shonda Rhimes has labeled this seventh and final season, with these ten episodes beloved by fans.

• Black History Month: News/Documentary | February 24 & 25, 2018; Starting at 2:00 pm - The Paley Center is pleased to preview two significant new documentaries that dramatically immerse the viewer into 1970 school life in Harlem and pivotal moments in Malcolm X’s life.

• Black History Month: Family Screenings | February 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2018; Starting at 12:15 pm - We all know how powerful media portrayals can be for young audiences. In honor of Black History Month, join us for screenings that celebrate the African-American experience through the historical figures, characters, and performers who inspire us! 

All activities are free and open to the public. To view full schedule of screenings, please click here.