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American Masters

The formation of the NAACP and Du Bois’ magazine, “The Crisis”

Season 40 Episode 4 | 3m 10s

After violent race riots surged across the United States, the NAACP was formed in 1909. W.E.B. Du Bois became its only Black board member and editor of the organization’s magazine, “The Crisis.” The publication used journalism, art, and data to expose racial violence and highlight Black achievement.

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
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American Masters
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Preview: S40 E5 | 2:37
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American Masters
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Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka returns to the show to talk about her creative process.
Special: 30:00
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American Masters
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Watch as Oglala Lakota musician Mato Wayuhi draw on ancestral knowledge to inform his process.
Special: 16:11
Watch • 1:59:02
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause [EAD]
This version contains EAD. Explore the life of notable Black scholar W.E.B. Du Bois.
Special: 1:59:02
Watch • 1:52:45
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause [ASL]
This version contains ASL interpretation. Explore the life of notable Black scholar W.E.B. Du Bois.
Special: 1:52:45
Watch • 15:40
American Masters
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Follow Warren King as he transforms cardboard into intricate sculptures.
Special: 15:40
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American Masters
Greg Kinnear on Acting, AI, and Why Movies Still Matter
Oscar-nominated actor Greg Kinnear shares some "big thoughts."
Special: 27:33
Watch • 2:29
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
Preview: S40 E4 | 2:29
Watch • 2:32
American Masters
A brief history of Reconstruction
Reconstruction saw Black progress, then backlash erased gains after brief equality.
Clip: S40 E4 | 2:32
Watch • 2:25
American Masters
Du Bois used visualized data to confront racism at the 1900 Paris Exposition
At the 1900 Paris Expo, Du Bois used data to present a visually captivating case against racism.
Clip: S40 E4 | 2:25