In what must have been an unusual experience for someone used to dishing out uncompromising advice on footballers' failings, Atkinson will be seen taking part in classes designed to show bigots the error of their ways.
He will also discuss the legacy of Martin Luther King and visit memorials to slavery and racial segregation.
Atkinson is also understood to be seen complaining about being treated unfairly over his remark when the former England footballer Paul Gascoigne kept his job despite beating his wife. Atkinson - who managed West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday during a long career - was decidedly cagey about his rehabiliation when approached by a Sunday newspaper. He declined to say whether he had learned anything from the experience.
One friend of Atkinson's said yesterday: 'Everybody who knows him knows he hasn't a racist bone in his body.'
Many black sports stars have refused to forgive him, however. Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright refused to take part in the documentary.
And Darcus Howe said he did not believe Atkinson had learned anything.
'He's not really changed his mind,' he claimed. 'In my opinion, he's a traditional racist, which means you don't mind black people so long as they know their place.'
