The Myth of the Welfare Queen

Season 1

Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise

About the Episode

In the late 1970s, Reagan perpetuated the myth of African Americans taking advantage of the welfare system, and advocated cutting social services to aid the economy. Learn about the impact of this divisive rhetoric in Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise, Nov. 15 & 22 on PBS.

Aired: | Expires: | Runtime: 2m 26s

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Extras

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Talks About Black America Since MLK

Imagine if Martin Luther King, Jr. woke up and said, "what's happened?"

1:30
Social Media and Social Justice

Explore the role of social media in furthering social justice. Nov. 15 & 22 on PBS.

2:18
Media Response to Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005. Learn more Nov. 15 & 22 on PBS.

2:10
Racial Profiling

Racial profiling has led to tragedy on several occasions. Learn more Nov. 15 & 22 on PBS.

2:22
Black Celebrities in the 1980s

See how success of black public figures in the 1980s changed America. Nov. 15 & 22.

1:59
The Million Man March

The Million Man March took place in 1995 in Washington, D.C.. Watch Nov 15 & 22.

2:46
Reagan's Policies and Black America

Reagan's policies had immense consequences for black America. Watch Nov. 15 & 22 on PBS.

2:21
Affirmative Action

In the 1970s, backlash against affirmative action was in full swing. Watch Nov. 15 & 22.

2:24
White Flight

White flight illuminated profound challenges faced by Black America. Airs Nov. 15 & 22.

2:18
1974 Boston and School Desegregation

In 1970s Boston, schools were separate and deeply unequal. Learn more Nov. 15 & 22 on PBS.

2:21