One Thousand Years of Slavery – The Untold Story, a riveting docu-series exploring the legacy of slavery and how our shared history can create a better future, is set to premiere on Monday, February 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel in Canada and the U.S. to kick-off Black History Month.
The four-part limited series uncovers the truth of a 1,000-year story of slavery around the world, as leading actors, celebrities and influencers such as Debbie Allen, Valerie Jarrett, Lorraine Toussaint, Soledad O’Brien, CCH Pounder, Senator Cory Booker, Marc Morial and Dulé Hill, among others, go on journeys to confront their personal connection to slavery and its legacy today. From Africa to the Caribbean, from New Orleans to Istanbul, this special series explores slavery’s lasting and personal impact on individuals and society in order to reframe history. Slated to roll out every Monday in February, Courtney B. Vance lends his voice to narrate all four-episodes of the limited series.
“The Smithsonian Channel and Smithsonian brand are known around the world as a trusted resource that makes history accessible for all,” said Courtney B. Vance. “We couldn’t think of a better outlet to tell this important and increasingly relevant history. We are incredibly proud to be part of this journey.”
“As an executive producer on ‘One Thousand Years of Slavery,’ Bassett Vance Productions wanted to tell the globally comprehensive history of slavery,” said Angela Bassett. “Finding the right partner and audience who share common beliefs and values was absolutely imperative as we navigate a topic that still haunts us decades later. ‘One Thousand Years of Slavery’ stretches the canvas beyond the 400 years we’ve traditionally learned about, and I’m thrilled to bring this storytelling to life with Smithsonian Channel.”
One Thousand Years of Slavery – The Untold Story, executive produced by Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance’s Bassett Vance Productions, is a follow-up to the U.K. version of the series titled 1000 Years A Slave. Both versions of the series tell the 1,000-year story of how slavery stained the past, shaped the present, and continues to re-write our future with sit-downs featuring Dr. Bernice King, David Harewood, Ray Fearon and others.