HISTORY® Announces 'Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution' From Executive Producer and NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Executive Producer Deborah Morales

One-Hour Documentary Premieres Wednesday, February 19 at 10PM ET/PT

Pasadena, Calif. – January 18, 2020 – HISTORY announces a new, one-hour documentary "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution," featuring NBA legend, best-selling author and esteemed activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. From the initial sparks of revolution in Boston to the climactic Siege of Yorktown and beyond, "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution" paints a comprehensive picture of the African American experience during the Revolutionary War and shares the story of the war within the revolution through the eyes of some of the most crucial and significant African American figures of our country’s foundation including Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem, Phillis Wheatley and James Armistead Lafayette. ​​Executive produced by Abdul-Jabbar and Deborah Morales, the documentary premieres on Wednesday, February 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HISTORY.

"Since retiring from the NBA, I've been writing books and articles to bring awareness to the public of the many overlooked African Americans in history who have contributed so much to American society. 'Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution' chronicles the surprising, crucial, and often ignored role the black people played in the creation of our country," said Abdul-Jabbar. "Here's something we never learned in school: George Washington said that African Americans were pivotal to winning the Revolutionary War. From soldiers to spies to poets, black people were as much the founders of America as those who signed the Declaration of Independence."

"HISTORY is dedicated to telling compelling, significant stories of individuals that have made an immense impact on the world," said Eli Lehrer, Executive Vice President and General Manager for HISTORY. “We are honored to partner with Kareem on this project he is deeply passionate about, and to honor the legacy​ and commemorate the sacrifices these individuals made in fighting for both their country and their freedom. 'Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution' will educate our viewers about a group of people whose stories are seldom told and whose unrelenting bravery is rarely recognized."​

Often forgotten in history, many people don't know that African Americans played an integral role in the fight for our country's independence. Anchored by sit down interviews with Abdul-Jabbar as well as numerous esteemed historians and supported with archival material, "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution" will cover both sides of the fight, highlighting black heroes of the American Revolution who stood up against British rule to help establish the United States of America, and, conversely, black loyalists who fought for the Crown – and the promise of freedom. The documentary will also present Abdul-Jabbar's personal journey, revealing his own unique discovery of important historical figures like Crispus Attucks and others and how they helped change the perception of his own heritage.

In addition to "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution," HISTORY will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2020 with a slate of premium programming, including "Washington" and the six-part miniseries "Grant," which will portray one of the most complex and underappreciated generals and presidents in U.S. history -- Ulysses S. Grant, and the new experiential ventures HISTORYTalks and HISTORYCon that will bring history to life for fans. HISTORYTalks is a traveling speaker series that explores newsworthy topics and historical events with trailer blazers, global leaders, authors and filmmakers. HISTORYCon is a three-day event that features exclusive panels and Q&As with the stars of HISTORY's fan-favorite shows, interactive exhibits and inspiring conversations with historians, authors and experts.

"Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution" is produced for HISTORY by the Six West MediaTM group. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Deborah Morales serve as executive producers for Iconomy Multi-Media & Entertainment. Steve Ascher, Kristy Sabat, Jessica Conway and Stephen Mintz are executive producers for the Six West MediaTM group. Jennifer Wagman is executive producer for HISTORY.

About HISTORY®​​

HISTORY, a division of A+E Networks, is the premier destination for historical storytelling. From best-in-class documentary events, to a signature slate of industry-leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted programming, HISTORY serves as the most trustworthy source of informational entertainment in media. HISTORY has been named the #1 U.S. TV network in buzz for seven consecutive years by YouGov BrandIndex, and a top favorite TV network by Beta Research Corporation. For a deeper dive, visit history.com or follow @history on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.