Black Life: Untold Stories now available on CBC Gem
New 8-part documentary series reframes the rich and complex histories of Black people in Canada over 400 years
Nearly 400 years since the first enslaved African arrived in Canada, a new eight-part documentary series explores the lives of Black Canadians to this day.
Black Life: Untold Stories illuminates the struggles and triumphs of Black people in Canada while celebrating the contributions of both famous and lesser-known Black Canadians.
How can I watch?
You can watch the full series on CBC Gem. Download the free CBC Gem app from iTunes or Google Play, or watch it on your web browser.
You can also watch Black Life: Untold Stories on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. (9:30 p.m. NT). Check the CBC Program Guide for more information.
Claiming Space
Directed by Frances-Anne Solomon, a trailblazer in the film and television industry, "Claiming Space" (Episode 8) explores the history of Black settlements across Canada and the often-overlooked stories of Africville, N.S., and Little Burgundy in Montreal. The episode features the communities razed to make way for highways, parks and new urban infrastructure. But amid the devastation, there are stories of resilience and the relationships that endured.
More about the docuseries
Executive producers Leslie Norville and Miranda de Pencier recruited a distinguished team to create the eight-part series. Former governor general Michaëlle Jean and rapper and broadcaster Shad served as cultural consultants, and former NHLer P.K. Subban served as an executive producer for the series.
Watch the trailer
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.
With files from the Canadian Press