A groundbreaking look at the history of the "Dark Continent," hosted by Afro-American Studies Department Chair Henry Louis "Skip" Gates Jr., will premier in the United States Monday on the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), officials announced this week.

The six-part series, entitled "Wonders of the African World with Henry Louis Gates Jr.," will challenge the Western view that Africa was a primitive continent until it was "civilized" by white people, Gates said in a press release.

"As a black American, I know what it's like to have your history stolen from you," said Gates, the great-great-grandson of slaves and Du Bois Professor of the Humanities.

In fact, Gates said the program, filmed in 12 African countries, will showcase the continent as a vibrant community alive with history and stories.

"These were very intelligent, subtle and sophisticated people, with organized societies and great art," he said.

PBS has been working with Gates for almost two years in making the series.

"Gates represents PBS on its best day," said John Wilson, a programming executive at PBS. "He's smart, funny and engaging,"

In the series, Gates visits the ancient cities of Great Zimbabwe, Mapungubwe and Kerma, the first capital of the ancient black kingdom Nubia.