Neal Justin: Seven TV shows to watch during Black History Month

If you use television to educate yourselves during Black History Month, there are two required courses: "Roots," the 1977 landmark miniseries that opened up naive eyes to the deepest horrors of slavery, and "Eyes on the Prize," the 1987 docuseries honoring unsung heroes of the civil rights movement.

But don't stop there. Consider adding these newer programs to the curriculum.

'Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World'

This four-part documentary dedicates considerable time to celebrating groundbreaking artists, a list that includes Public Enemy, Tupac Shakur and Queen Latifah. But it also acknowledges nonmusical influencers whose spirit is reflected in the genre's rebel roots. You'll come away convinced that Shirley Chisholm contributed more to hip-hop than Flavor Flav. 8 p.m. Tuesday, TPT, Ch. 2

'The 1619 Project'

Nikole Hannah-Jones may be a tremendous print journalist, but she doesn't have a dynamic screen personality. In this six-part adaptation of her Pulitzer-winning series for the New York Times, Hannah-Jones comes across like a college professor who would rather be in the research lab than the classroom. In a way, that approach is appropriate. "1619" has a lot of eye-opening takes on important issues, but the overall tone is so academic that you may be tempted to take some naps. Hulu

'Loudmouth'

'The Picture Taker'

The late photographer Ernest Withers took his camera everywhere, capturing iconic images from Emmett Till's funeral, Beale Street and the Montgomery bus boycott. But this "Independent Lens" feature isn't an unabashed love letter. It also looks at evidence that indicates he was an FBI informer. It's a blurry profile of a complicated man. 10 p.m. Monday, TPT, Ch. 2

'The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder'

This brash cartoon series, which drops its second season this week, is primarily centered on a teenage girl navigating puberty, which means lots of time battling Mom and batting eyes at boys. But the show's writers find innovative ways to sneak in references to underappreciated Black pioneers, like gay rights advocate Ernestine Eckstein, race car driver Willy T. Ribbs and early aviator Hubert Julian, best known as the Black Eagle of Harlem. Savvy parents might use these references to nudge their kids down some fascinating rabbit holes. Disney Plus

'Is That Black Enough for You?!?'

'Louis Armstrong's Black and Blues'