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Great Migrations: A People on the Move explores the transformative impact of Black migration on American culture and society. From the waves of Black Americans to the North—and back South—over the last century to the growing number of immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean today, the film shows how movement is a defining feature of the Black experience.

Watch • 7:14
Great Migrations: A People on The Move
Haitian Migration to the US
Beginning in the 1970s, South Florida saw a wave of Haitians fleeing political repression.
Clip: S1 E4 | 7:14
Watch • 2:38
Great Migrations: A People on The Move
New Legislation
An important civil rights era law passed in 1965 prohibited ethnically-biased immigration laws.
Clip: S1 E4 | 2:38
Watch • 6:36
Great Migrations: A People on The Move
Immigrant Students at HBCUs
In 1924, the U.S. passed its most restrictive and biased immigration laws in history.
Clip: S1 E4 | 6:36
Corporate support for GREAT MIGRATIONS: A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE is provided by Bank of America, Ford Motor Company and Johnson & Johnson. Major support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Support is also provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Additional support was provided by the Inkwell Society together with many of its members, and by public television viewers.
Episodes
Watch • 52:25
Great Migrations: A People on The Move
Exodus
Episode one of Great Migrations covers the first wave of the Great Migration (1910-1940).
Episode: S1 E1 | 52:25
Watch • 52:25
Great Migrations: A People on The Move
Streets Paved with Gold
Episode 2 of Great Migrations explores the second wave of the Great Migration (1940-1970).
Episode: S1 E2 | 52:25
Extras
Watch • 2:35
Great Migrations: A People on The Move
The Odewales
Skip goes to Houston, TX where a large Nigerian Immigrant population resides.
Clip: S1 E4 | 2:35
Watch • 2:38
Great Migrations: A People on The Move
The 1967 Detroit Uprising
The 1967 Detroit uprising was one of the most violent of the 20th century.
Clip: S1 E3 | 2:38