PBS has announced the upcoming premiere of Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War, a new documentary film set to air on June 29, 2026. The one-hour special will be available on PBS, the official PBS website, and the PBS app.
A New Look at Revolutionary History
Directed by Stacey L. Holman, the film arrives as part of the PBS America @ 250 initiative. It focuses on the experiences of enslaved and freed Black Americans who sought to define democracy and secure their own liberty during the Revolutionary War era. The documentary highlights the stories of four specific individuals: James Lafayette, Harry Washington, Elizabeth Freeman, and Abraham Peyton Skipwith.
The film utilizes visual storytelling from artist and archival producer Hudson Campbell to bring these historical figures to life. It also incorporates expert commentary from historians and scholars, including Leslie Alexander, Danielle Allen, Edward Ayers, Christopher L. Brown, and Woody Holton.
Connecting History to the Present
The production, which comes from VPM, aims to provide visibility to figures who have historically been underrepresented in accounts of the American Revolution. By examining how these individuals navigated the fight for independence, the documentary seeks to connect historical agency and endurance with contemporary perspectives.
For more information on the project and its upcoming broadcast, viewers can visit the official PBS website. Additional resources and press materials are available through the PBS PressRoom.
