Women’s History Month, observed annually in March, originated from the recognition that women’s achievements have often been overshadowed or marginalized by the dominant narratives of male accomplishments. After International Women’s Day alone was deemed not enough to celebrate the historical accomplishments of women, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to designate March of 1987 as Women’s History Month.
This March, PBS North Carolina honors that legacy with curated collections celebrating women in politics, women in the arts and revolutionary women of the American Revolution. Explore inspiring films and series on PBS NC and stream them anytime on the free PBS app.
From trailblazing elected officials to outspoken advocates, these films spotlight women who have shaped public life and challenged the status quo.
Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan in "The Inquisitor." Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of.
Watch the Independent Lens film "The Inquisitor," streaming now on the PBS app.
Tuesday, March 10, 6 PM
Join PBS North Carolina for a screening of "The Inquisitor," a new documentary from Independent Lens chronicling the journey of Barbara Jordan, the congresswoman who transformed U.S. politics. Following the screening, stay for a meaningful community conversation.
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug. See how her commitment to women's rights and progressive causes upended the status quo in Washington.
Watch the American Masters film “Bella! This Woman’s Place is in the House,” Tuesday, 3/17, 9 PM on PBS NC and the PBS app.
"Keep Quiet and Forgive" follows Lizzie as she challenges Amish and Mennonite traditions that silence sexual abuse survivors. Decades after her assault, she leads a movement for justice and healing within a notoriously private community, revealing the power of speaking out.
Watch the Independent Lens film “Keep Quiet and Forgive,” Monday, 3/23, 10 PM on PBS NC and the PBS app.
NC Now cohost Mitchell Lewis sits down with Maya Angelou, the internationally renowned author, poet and civil rights activist whose work helped shape the cultural and moral landscape of the 20th century. In this 2013 conversation, recorded to mark the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, Angelou reflects on her personal connection to the civil rights movement and considers how the nation has changed in the decades since that historic moment.
Angelou died at her home in Winston-Salem in 2014. She was the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.
The interview originally aired on NC Now, PBS North Carolina’s long-running public affairs program (1994–2017), which featured in-depth conversations with influential voices from North Carolina and beyond.
Watch “Maya Angelou” on NC Now, streaming now on the PBS app.
The inspirational story of a trailblazing woman -- journalist, White House official, author, humorist, political activist, and feminist leader -- Liz Carpenter was often front and center where history was unfolding, leaving her own indelible mark on events and movements, while pushing forward an agenda for women’s rights, the environment and political engagement that is highly relevant today.
Watch Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, Friday, 3/27, 3 PM on PBS NC. Streaming now on the PBS app with PBS NC Passport.
After a spiritual awakening, a former Texas cattle rancher leaves the cycle of animal agriculture and transforms her husband's beef operation into a sanctuary. Showcasing the inspiring work of Renee King-Sonnen, who has lived on both sides of the fence, her transformation proves that there is a common ground between farmers and vegans: a shared mission of compassion and sustainability.
Watch Rowdy Girl, Sunday, 3/29, 9 PM on the North Carolina Channel and the PBS app.
A multi-dimensional portrait of Penny Cooper, a celebrated criminal defense attorney, art collector, supporter of female artists, and protector of the underdog. Cooper's life brims with stories mirroring the profound changes in our country from the 1940s to the present. The film is a collection of these moments as told by Cooper and the people who have been impacted by her dynamic spirit.
Watch Penny: Champion of the Marginalized, Sunday, 3/29, 11:30 PM on the North Carolina Channel. Streaming now on the PBS app with PBS NC Passport.
Women in the arts have shaped music, performance and culture through groundbreaking work as musicians, singers and visionary performers.
As the Graham Company nears its landmark 100th anniversary, "We Are Our Time" offers a rare behind-the-scenes portrait of the company, exploring Graham’s legacy through the dancers who embody her work today.
Watch Martha Graham Dance Company: We Are Our Time, Friday, 3/27, 9 PM on PBS NC and the PBS app.
Enjoy this Shaped by Sound playlist featuring North Carolina women in music, including Wednesday, Charly Lowry and Nnenna Freelon. Each episode pairs a visually stunning live studio performance with an intimate conversation, giving these artists a platform to share their creative journeys and the stories behind their music.
Watch new episodes of Shaped by Sound, Thursdays, 10:30 PM on PBS NC. Streaming now on the PBS app.
Follow North Carolina music icon Roberta Flack from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.
Watch the American Masters film “Roberta Flack,” streaming now on the PBS app.
From 2012, Black Issues Forum spotlights Nina Simone, the “High Priestess of Soul,” and her extraordinary journey from Tryon, North Carolina prodigy to civil rights icon.
Watch “Rediscovering Nina Simone” on Black Issues Forum, streaming now on the PBS app.
Suzanne Vega experimentally reinterprets two talks given by novelist Carson McCullers at the 92nd St. Y in NYC. The program offers viewers insight into McCullers' life lessons, viewed through the many facets of love. Suzanne’s interpretation of the conversations emphasizes that agape love, or a selfless love, matters in this life.
Watch Lover, Beloved, Sunday, 3/8, 9 PM on the North Carolina Channel and the PBS app.
Discover the women who played pivotal roles in the American Revolution.
Explore the women who shaped the American Revolution and the fight for freedom in North Carolina and beyond. From bold political organizers and everyday patriots to those challenging the limits of the law, these stories reveal how women influenced history in both public and personal ways. Learn how the Edenton Tea Party sparked early resistance, how Elizabeth Freeman successfully sued for her freedom and how the Townshend Acts inspired protest and activism. Additional stories highlight revolutionary fashion, the complex role of slavery and protest, and the courage of women in rebel communities, showing the many ways women left a revolutionary mark.
Peggy Shippen came closer to ending the American Revolution than any general ever did.
Homegrown History is a multiyear public history initiative exploring the state’s rich past. This ambitious project will include community engagement events throughout North Carolina, new broadcast and digital content exploring local history and resources for students and educators.
March is Women’s History Month! Celebrate and learn about famous women in history with your favorite PBS KIDS shows, including Xavier Riddle, Molly of Denali and others.
PBS KIDS For Parents
In honor of Women’s History Month, here are 15 books about impactful and inspirational historic and modern-day women. While some of these women are well-known, others are not — yet all of them have made an important mark on the world.
PBS LearningMedia
Rebel Girls from History celebrates Women's History Month by focusing on the amazing, mostly forgotten women from the late 19th and early 20th century whose lives, actions, and sacrifices helped shape today’s America.
PBS LearningMedia
Watch American Experience’s “The Vote” and learn about the history of women’s suffrage in Washington state.
