University of Wisconsin - Extension

Jan. 18, 2008

For More Information:

Lynn Brockmeyer, WPT publicist, (608) 263-3364, lynn.brockmeyer@wpt.org

Erik Ernst, erik.ernst@wpt.org

During February, Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) features programs that celebrate the heritage and accomplishments of African Americans.

At 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, Independent Lens "Negroes With Guns: Rob Williams and Black Power" follows Williams’ journey from North Carolina community leader to exile in Cuba and China –– a journey that brought the issue of armed self-defense to the forefront of the Black Power and civil rights movements.

At 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 6 and 13, African American Lives 2 is hosted by Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. who guides genealogical investigations locating celebrity and non-celebrity participants’ ancestors. The Feb. 6 program will repeat at 11 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7.

At 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, Prince Among Slaves is the forgotten true story of an African prince who was enslaved in Mississippi for 40 years before finally achieving freedom and becoming one of the most famous men in America.

At 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, Independent Lens "Parliament Funkadelic: One Nation Under a Groove" looks at George Clinton, mastermind behind the band Parliament Funkadelic, and how he expressed the cultural alienation of young African Americans.

At 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Soul of Justice: Thelton Henderson's American Journey profiles one person’s commitment to integrity and human rights, and his profound influence on the American judicial system. There will be an encore broadcast at 11 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21.

Black History Programs/Add One

At 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, Independent Lens "Banished" is the story of three counties that forcefully banished African American families from their towns 100 years ago and the descendents who return to learn a shocking history.

At 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, An Evening With Quincy Jones takes a rare look into the life and career of the music mogul.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/DT, Madison; WPNE-TV/DT, Green Bay; WHRM-TV/DT, Wausau; WLEF-TV/DT, Park Falls; WHLA-TV/DT, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV/DT, Menomonie-Eau Claire.