Plot Synopsis

Adapted from essays in Nikole Hannah-Jones' book, "The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story," each episode of THE 1619 PROJECT features the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative in a different topic, including: democracy, race, music, capitalism, fear, and justice. Hosted by Hannah-Jones, THE 1619 PROJECT debuted with two episodes on Thursday, January 26, 2023 on Hulu. Two new installments drop weekly through February 9. Episodes include:

"Democracy" (Thursday, January 26, 2023): Told through Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nikole Hannah-Jones' personal story, historical events and the modern fights for voting rights, this episode explores Black America's centuries-long fight to democratize America and hold it to its founding ideals.

"Race" (Thursday, January 26, 2023): This installment examines the construct of race as a political invention created to justify the economic exploitation of African people during slavery and promote white supremacy, while tracing the impact that has had on Black women's bodies and reproductive lives.

"Music" (Thursday, February 2, 2023): From Motown's wide popularity to funk's rebellious independence to today's genre-breaking musicians, this episode celebrates the "uncapturable spirit" of Black music and maintains that Black music IS American Music.

"Capitalism" (Thursday, February 2, 2023): Nikole Hannah-Jones' family and current labor battles are the lens for this installment, which explores how slavery formed the bedrock of American capitalism and how this foundation of brutality continues to permeate our deeply unequal economic system.

"Fear" (Thursday, February 9, 2023): family's tragic loss. A dramatic day in the life of a protestor. This episode explores how modern policing, surveillance and the criminalization of Black Americans draw roots from the slavery era fear of Black rebellion and centuries-long quest for freedom.

"Justice" (Thursday, February 9, 2023): Through Nikole Hannah-Jones' family story and one Georgia community fighting for restitution, the series finale examines the historical events that denied Black Americans the opportunity to build generational wealth and what is owed to descendants of slavery.
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THE 1619 PROJECT made its linear television debut on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 8-11pm ET/PT on ABC, featuring the first episode and the final installment airing back-to-back over three hours.