At HEC-TV, we proudly celebrate the accomplishments of different cultures year-round. Our online archives are a testament to our dedication to producing quality programming that celebrates diversity. In honor of Black History Month, our February program line-up consists of more than 139 hours of powerful programming that celebrates African American history and culture, particularly in St. Louis
Descriptions, air dates and video links of these HEC-TV local original shows can be seen below. Enjoy!
Seeking Freedom
HEC-TV presents this Emmy award-winning story hidden for nearly two hundred years among the archives of the St. Louis Civil Courts building. The documents provide insight about the lifestyle of St. Louis’ slaves and slave owners decades before the civil war. Through these records, we also assimilate how hundreds of slaves defied the law of the land by taking their owners to court seeking freedom.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 3, 10, 17, 24: 4pm
February 2, 9, 16, 23: 9:30pm
Frames: Freedom is Now
Produced, written, directed and edited by Emiel Clever, this documentary examines the efforts, struggles and milestones of the men and women who pioneered of the civil rights group Freedom Incorporated. In this all-new exclusive special, HEC-TV shows the documentary in its entirety, followed by and interview with Clever on the making of the film.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
Tuesdays at 8 pm throughout February
Mission to Educate
An inspiring local documentary about the Catholic education system in St. Louis, Mission to Educate explores many of the pioneering moments of the St. Louis archdiocese. Archbishop Joseph Ritter, for example, took advantage of his power and leadership by ordering the end of segregation in St. Louis Catholic schools. This took place an entire seven years prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s order for integration.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 2, 9, 16, 23: 8:30 pm
February 4, 11, 18, 24: 4 pm
Jazz Reach: Miles Davis
This exciting live multi-media program, presented by JazzReach at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, celebrates the legacy of the great Miles Davis.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 1, 8, 15, 22: 10 pm
February 4, 11, 18, 24: 4 pm
Josephine Baker Series
Learn about the life, loves and civil rights’ causes that impacted the late Josephine Baker’s life from surviving family members and others who have been touched by this multi-faceted entertainer.
Click to view series
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 2, 9, 16, 23: 10:30 pm
February 3, 10, 17, 24: 3 pm
Collective Improvisation: The History of Jazz in St. Louis
Many African Americans have made important contributions to the evolution of jazz in St. Louis. Produced by HEC-TV, this documentary takes an intimate look at the historical impact of these such artists.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 1, 8, 15, 22: 9 pm
February 5, 12, 19, 26: 11 am
You Are Here: Underground Railroad
Host Alex Fees examines both the written and oral traditions surrounding the history of the Underground Railroad located right here in St. Louis.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 1, 8, 15, 22: 3:30 pm
February 2, 9, 16, 23: 8 pm
A Conversation With: Andre Royo
Join Donn Johnson, Missouri History Museum’s Director of Communication, as he has a captivating one-on-one conversation with Andre Royo about his journey as an actor, his family life, and what acting on The Wire has taught him.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 7, 14, 21, 28: 3pm
February 13: 10pm
A Conversation With: Paul Rusesabagina
A 2006 Mid-America Emmy Award winning one-on-one interview with the hotel manager who saved hundreds of lives during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 1, 8, 15, 22: 3 pm
February 6: 10pm
A Conversation with: Andrew Young
An extensive conversation with the noted civil rights leader and former ambassador.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 7, 14, 21, 28: 3:30pm
February 27: 10pm
A Conversation With: Dick Gregory
Join HEC-TV’s Cordell Whitlock as he chats with actor, comedian, activist, and Sumner High School graduate, Dick Gregory.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 3, 10, 17, 24: 10:30pm
February 20: 10pm
A Conversation With: Ron Himes
St. Louis is home to the largest professional African American theatre in the country, The Black Rep. It has carved a rich and enduring legacy in the history of American theatre but it’s path to success has been filled with many obstacles. In this edition of Conversation With, HEC-TV’s original series, Ron Himes takes a few minutes from his job as Producing Director of The St. Louis Black Rep to talk about its founding more than 30 years ago and the vision that has driven him throughout it’s history.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 7, 14, 21, 28: 4pm
February 4, 11, 18, 25: 8pm
Liquid Light: The Roof is on Fire
Join host Bob Wilcox as he talks with David Noble Dandridge, a Slam Poetry artist and producer of the featured film.
Click to view video
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 2, 9, 16, 23: 10am
February 6, 13, 20, 27: 8pm
HEC-TV LIVE! History in the First Person: Stories of the Civil Rights Movement
Meet St. Louis individuals who changed history for their generation as well as the history for all future generations. Learn how these brave people sacrificed, struggled, and ultimately triumphed to ensure equal civil rights for all.
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Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 6, 14: 10am
February 14: 1pm
HEC-TV will also air the following national syndicated programs throughout the month of February:
300 Miles to Freedom
Chronicle John W. Jones’ fascinating journey to freedom on the Underground Railroad and his remarkable life as a free man in Elmira, New York.
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 1, 8, 15, 22: 4pm
February 2, 9, 16, 23: 7pm
Bix Jazz Festival
The Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival (founded in 1972) is a lively jazz festival held annually in Bix’s hometown of Davenport, Iowa. The festival was began as a way to preserve the memory and musical talents of Bix Beiderbecke- cornetist, pianist, and composer.
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 5, 12, 19, 26: 9am
Clean Mic
This film tracks Washington, DC, and New York City comedians as they attempt to perform clean comedy in an unclean world (starring St. Louis native Dick Gregory).
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 6, 14: 10am
February 14: 1pm
Five Phenomenal Women
Follow five African-American educators and students as they contribute courage, humor, and selflessness while educating young people with special needs. What truly makes this pentagon phenomenal is that while they’re doing this, they’re also working with their own families, as well as fulfilling their own dreams. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s infamous poem Phenomenal Women.
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 2, 9, 16, 23: 9am
Four Shades of Blue: Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival
Join four brilliant artists-the late Koko Taylor with Blues Machine, Ruthie Foster, Tommy Castro, and Ana Popovic-for a event special filmed live in Detroit.
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 4, 11, 18, 25: 11am
A History of Black Achievement in America
This series highlights the many contributions of Black Americans that have influenced our culture, as well as enriched our society.
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 2, 9, 16, 23: 1pm
February 1, 8, 15, 22:6pm
A History of Civil Rights in America
From the past to the present, this eight-part series takes the viewer through one of the most powerful forces in American history: the promise of equality for all.
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 7, 21, 28: 1pm
February 1, 8, 15, 22: 5pm
A History of Equal Rights in America
Recount the significant advances and the ongoing effort of individuals striving to gain a clear and permanent guarantee of privileges for women and all economically-disadvantaged groups.
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 7, 21, 28: 1:30pm
February 1, 8, 15, 22: 5:30pm
Newspaper of Record: The Pittsburg Courier 1907-1965
See how the publication The Pittsburg Courier grew from a small local newssheet into the leading black newsapaper of the 20th century.
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 6, 14: 10am
February 14: 1pm
Writers
A new television series from the Mississippi Public Broadcasting. In each episode, three authors join host Gene Edwards for an intimate, roundtable discussion of their craft.
Air Dates and Times (subject to change):
February 5, 12, 19, 26: 3pm
February 5, 12, 19, 26: 4pm
