In honor of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment — which granted women the right to vote in the U.S. — PBS is highlighting stories about groundbreaking women this summer. According to a press release, the network has organized a multiplatform lineup of documentaries and specials that “honor and commemorate those who fought for women’s suffrage in the U.S., the feminist movement throughout the 20th century, and the stories of modern women who continue to shatter the glass ceiling and transform modern history.”
“From the people who fought for the ratification of the 19th Amendment to present-day changemakers, we are honored to share the inspiring stories of trailblazing women who have changed the course of history,” said Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO.
PBS will pay tribute to the suffragettes with “The Vote,” an installment of “American Experience,” that details the long, ever-evolving campaign American women spearheaded in order to secure the right to vote.
Women who pushed for change long after the passage of the 19th Amendment will be recognized with an airing of the Gloria Steinem play “Gloria: A Life,” as part of “Great Performances,” and with the broadcast of documentary “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am.” The former, written by Emily Mann and directed by Diane Paulus, includes a narrative account of Steinem’s life as well as an interactive talking circle moderated by the real Steinem. “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am” sees the late Nobel Prize-winning author reflecting back on her life and work.
Multimedia series “Unladylike2020,” airing as part of “American Masters,” introduces viewers to the unsung feminist trailblazers of the turn of the century. Meanwhile “POV” miniseries “And She Could Be Next” chronicles the contemporary women of color who are transforming politics. Rashida Tlaib and Stacey Abrams are among its subjects.
Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts’ Oscar-nominated documentary “For Sama” will be broadcast on “Frontline.” A years-long account of revolution and war in Aleppo, the film sees al-Kateab telling her own story, and explaining the difficult decisions she’s had to make, to her infant daughter.
This is just a taste of what PBS will be offering its viewers in summer 2020. Head over to PBS’ website to find more women’s vote centennial programming and further details.