Serving America: Memories of Peace Corps premieres on Tuesday, April 3, 7:30 p.m. on WPBT2. This original WPBT2 documentary highlights the experience of eleven South Floridians who served in the early years of the Peace Corps.
In addition to the broadcast, WPBT2 will host an online webcast of the documentary on Thursday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., EST at http://www.wpbt2.org/webcast. During the webcast, visitors can watch the program, chat with each other, and ask questions to the Executive Producer, Jack Kelly.
Told through the recollections of those who served include: Donna E. Shalala, President of the University of Miami, who volunteered in Iran from 1962-1964; Alberto Ibarguen, President and CEO of the James S. and James L. Knight Foundation, who served in Venezuela and Columbia from 1976-1971; Roland Foulkes, Founder & Chief Strategist, One Broward, who served in Ghana, West Africa from 1982-1984; and Terrance L. Lindemann, former WorldBank Head Marketing Div. Ext. Affairs, who volunteered in Venezuela from 1962-64.
Through the mix of archival film and photographs with personal stories from these returned volunteers, the program tells the story of service and idealism while tracing the history and heritage of an organization that has inspired more than 200,000 Americans to work for peace in 139 countries.
“What the Peace Corps really did is make me a citizen of the world,” says Shalala of her experience in Iran. After his service in Ghana, Roland Foulkes believes the “Two years; changed my life. It transformed me in a way that nothing else has.” From Ibarguen’s experience in Venezuela and Colombia, he states, “I am the living, breathing result of those two years in the jungle.”
The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew a federal government agency devoted to world peace and friendship. Within weeks of his inauguration, President Kennedy signed Executive Order 10924, establishing the Peace Corps on a temporary pilot basis. By June 30, 1962, 2,816 volunteers are in the field in 28 host countries.
WPBT2 celebrates Black History Month with special programming beginning Thursday, February 2.
Thursday, February 2 at 11:00 p.m.
Independent Lens: Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock As a black woman who was a feminist before the term was invented, Daisy Bates refused to accept her assigned place in society. This program tells the story of her life and public support of nine black students who registered to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, which culminated in a constitutional crisis — pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself. Unconventional, revolutionary and egotistical, Bates reaped the rewards of instant fame, but paid dearly for it.
Friday, February 3 at 10:00 p.m. & Monday, February 13 at 10:30 p.m. Reggae: The Story of Jamaican Music Ten years after their Independence, Jamaica was gripped by unemployment, crime and violence, and as so many of the emerging generation of Jamaicans, who had grown up with Independence, were victims of this, they reacted with the most potent weapon at their disposal – music. As the 1970s unfolded, subject matter changed to give voice to the protests the people wanted to express against the government, while urging their fellow youth to stick to the path of righteousness. Reggae music became a way to combine the two ideals.
Monday, February 6 at 10:00 p.m. Underground Railroad: The William Still Story Extraordinary people risked their lives to help fugitive slaves escape via the clandestine Underground Railroad. Among them was William Still of Philadelphia, a free black man who accepted delivery of transported crates containing human “cargo.” This documentary reveals some of the dramatic, lesser-known stories behind this humanitarian enterprise, and explores key Canadian connections, including the surprising fate of former slaves who crossed the border to “Freedom’s Land.”
Tuesday, February 7 at 8:00 p.m. American Experience: Freedom Riders In 1961, segregation seemed to have an overwhelming grip on American society. Many states violently enforced the policy, while the federal government remained indifferent, preoccupied with matters abroad. That is, until an integrated band of college students, decided, en masse, to risk everything and buy a ticket on a Greyhound bus bound for the Deep South. They called themselves the Freedom Riders, and they managed to bring the president and the entire American public face to face with the challenge of correcting civil-rights inequities that plagued the nation.
Thursday, February 9 at 11:00 p.m.
Independent Lens: The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 Combining startlingly fresh and candid 16mm footage that had lain undiscovered in the cellar of Swedish Television for the past 30 years, with contemporary audio interviews from leading African-American artists, activists, musicians and scholars, ”Mixtape” looks at the people, society, culture and style that fueled an era of convulsive change, 1967-1975. Utilizing an innovative format that riffs on the popular 1970s mixtape format, this is a cinematic and musical journey into the black communities of America.
Monday, February 13 at 9:00 p.m. Slavery By Another Name A Sundance Film Festival selection for 2012, this new documentary explores the little-known story of the post-Emancipation era and the labor practices and laws that effectively created a new form of slavery in the South that persisted well into the 20th century. Blackmon examines the concept of “neo slavery,” which sentenced African-Americans to forced labor for violating an array of laws that criminalized their everyday behavior. Actor Laurence Fishburne (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” Thurgood) narrates.
Monday, February 16 at 11:00 p.m. Independent Lens: More Than a Month Shukree Hassan Tilghman, a 29-year-old African-American filmmaker, is on a cross-country campaign to end Black History Month. Through this tongue-in-cheek journey, “More Than a Month” investigates what the treatment of history tells us about race and equality in a “post-racial” America.
Friday, February 24 at 9:00 p.m. Great Performances: Memphis Winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best New Musical, “Memphis” turns the radio dial back to the 1950s to tell the story of a white DJ, named Huey Calhoun (Chad Kimball), whose love of music transcends race lines and airwaves. His romantic interest is Felicia Farrell (Montego Glover), a young black singer whose career is on the rise. When the two collaborate, her soulful music reaches radio audiences everywhere, and the golden era of early rock ‘n’ roll takes flight. But as things heat up, whether the world is really ready for their music — or their love — is put to a test.
Wednesday, February 27 at 10:00 p.m. American Masters: Cab Calloway: Sketches “Minnie the Moocher,” with its popular refrain “Hi de hi de hi de ho,” was Cab Calloway’s signature song, and Harlem’s famous Cotton Club was his home stage. A singer, dancer and band leader, he was an exceptional figure in the history of jazz: a consummate musician, he charmed audiences around the world with boundless energy, bravado and elegant showmanship. His back glide dance step is the precursor to Michael Jackson’s moonwalk, and his scatting lyrics find their legacy in today’s hip-hop and rap. An ambassador for his race, Calloway was one of the first black musicians to tour the segregationist South, as early as 1932.
Tune in for all-new restaurant reviews…and a fresh new look on Check, Please! South Florida, beginning January 23rd on WPBT2. This season, WPBT2’s popular restaurant review show will sport an updated graphic open, revamped logo, and even new theme music!
Host Michelle Bernstein returns to the Emmy-nominated series, along with fifteen opinionated guest reviewers from all across South Florida. Their dining picks run the gamut, from a colorful Colombian spot in South Miami to the chic and trendy Bistro Chez Jean-Pierre in Palm Beach. Guest reviewers include a South Beach model, Hollywood golf caddy, and Palm Beach financial advisor. One episode features local female impersonator, Miss Finesse, as one of the guest reviewers.
The fun begins Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Episodes repeat on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.
Season 7 is made possible by the generous support of Badia Spices, Whole Foods Market, Johnson & Wales University, and George & Helen Weaver.
SEASON 7 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS:
Show #701- Premiere 1/23
Featuring La Brochette Bistro in Cooper City, Lifefood Gourmet in Miami, and Macita’s Colombian Restaurant in Miami.
Show #702- Premiere 1/30
Featuring 32 East in Delray Beach, Snapper’s Seafood & Wine Bar in Boynton Beach, and Taqueria Doña Raquel in Pompano Beach.
Show #703- Premiere 2/6
Featuring Hakkasan in Miami Beach, RistoranteSapori in Boca Raton, and Candela Restaurant in Wilton Manors.
Show #704 – Premiere 2/13
Featuring Darbster in West Palm Beach, Bistro Chez Jean-Pierre in Palm Beach, and Geronimo’s Bar & Grill in Davie.
Show #705 – Premiere 2/20
Featuring Hy Vong in Miami, Café Seville in Ft. Lauderdale, and Lorna’s Caribbean & American Restaurant in Miami Gardens.
WPBT2 will host two dinners with Jim Lehrer, PBS NewsHour Anchor and also moderator of eleven Presidential Debates, on Wednesday, February 22 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach and Thursday, February 23 at the Coral Gables Country Club. Ticket information for the dinners is available at wpbt2.org/lehrer.
Jim Lehrercame to PBS in 1972, teaming with Robert MacNeil in 1973 to cover the Senate Watergate hearings. They began in 1975 what became The MacNeil/Lehrer Report, and, in 1983, the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, the first 60-minute evening news program on television. When MacNeil retired in 1995, the program was renamed The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.
In the last six presidential elections, Lehrer moderated eleven of the nationally televised candidate debates. His latest book, a non-fiction work about the presidential debates, titled Tension City,was published in September 2011. At the WPBT2 dinners, Lehrer will discuss his latest book and give attendees a ringside seat for some of the epic political battles or our time, shedding light on some of the critical turning points and theoretical faux pas that helped determine the outcome of America's presidential elections. He will provide antedotes from his experiences as "the man in the middle seat."
During the Evenings with Jim Lehrer, WPBT2 will also present Lifetime Service Awards to William F. Koch, Jr. and Herbert A. Tobin for their commitment to public television WPBT2.
FREE Preview Screenings of MCB on Great Performances Sunday, October 2, 2011 4pm & 7pm
Miami City Ballet Studios at the Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Center 2200 Liberty Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139
Free tickets are available in person Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm at Miami City Ballet Studios, or by phone at 305.929.7010 or toll free 877.929.7010.
Two free showings of the new PBS television program “Great Performances: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine & Tharp” at Miami City Ballet’s intimate Studio Theater, Lynn & Luis Wolfson, II Theatre.
WNET/THIRTEEN, New York’s PBS station, puts the spotlight on one of America’s finest dance companies, Miami’s own MIAMI CITY BALLET, in the new television program Great Performances: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine & Tharp. This program – a trio of signature works by the renowned choreographers – will showcase the company’s critically acclaimed performances of Balanchine’s Square Dance (music by Antonio Vivaldi and Arcangelo Corelli) and Western Symphony (music by Hershey Kay) and Tharp’s “The Golden Section” (music composed and performed by David Byrne).
Great Performances is a production of THIRTEEN in association with WNET, one of America’s most prolific and respected public media providers.“Great Performances: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine &Tharp” will air Friday, October 28 at 9pm on WPBT2.
Check, Please! South Florida returns for its sixth season on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. on WPBT2, with a fun, new twist on the typical show concept. The season opens with three young foodies, local first and second-graders, joining host Michelle Bernstein around the Check, Please! table to talk about what they liked and disliked about their dining experiences.
“I thought it would be refreshing to have three kids on the show, talking very honestly (as kids are) about their favorite restaurants,” said host and celebrity chef, Michelle Bernstein. “Kids are just so innocent and untainted by what society thinks. They speak truthfully and straight from their hearts.”
But, don’t expect a discussion focused on pizza and burgers. “I was very surprised at the types of restaurants these kids recommended as their favorites,” said show producer Joyce Belloise. The fact that we can discuss menu items such as sushi, tofu, and filet mignon on a kids’ show says a lot about how our children’s tastes are evolving.”
For now, fans of the show can expect a new line-up of restaurants and guest reviewers, representing dining spots from Jupiter to Kendall, beginning with the special kids episode on May 16th. South Floridians are encouraged to apply to be a guest reviewer on the show by logging on to the website at www.checkpleasefl.com.
EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS:
SHOW # 601- Broadcast Date: Monday, May 16, 2011
*Our Special Kids Episode!* See what South Floridians have to say about Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant in Dania Beach; Thai Cafe in Miami Lakes; and Café Abbracci in Coral Gables.
See what South Floridians have to say about Big Bear Brewing Co. in Coral Springs; Café Sharaku in Ft. Lauderdale; and Tin Muffin Cafe in Boca Raton.
Guest Reviewers: Jessica Stein, Art Teacher; Yoshi Kirsch, Car Exporter; Jerry Friedman, Chiropractor
SHOW # 603- Broadcast Date: Monday, May 30, 2011
See what South Floridians have to say about Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill in Coconut Grove; Secreto Restaurant in Kendall; and Buena Vista Bistro in Miami.
See what South Floridians have to say about Capt. Charlie’s Reef Grill in Juno Beach, CW’s BBQ in Hobe Sound; and Havana Restaurant in West Palm Beach.
Guest reviewers: Esse Asker, Manufacturer Representative; Tom Priester, Realtor; Maurissa Jones, Lawyer
SHOW # 605- Broadcast Date: Monday, June 13, 2011
See what South Floridians have to say about Moca Café & Lounge in North Miami; Bash Wine Cafe in Sunrise; and Sugar Reef Grill in Hollywood.
Guest reviewers: Rose-Philippe Coriolan, Radio Station Operations Manager; Bob Feinberg, Medical Sales Manager; Richard Miller, Fundraising Consultant
It’s 1936 and, sweeping away the cobwebs from the most famous address in MASTERPIECE history, a new couple moves into 165 Eaton Place. Thus resumes the romantic, moving, and epic story of Upstairs Downstairs, which premieres on Sunday, April 10 at 9:00pm on WPBT2.
The stellar cast includes the original series creators Dame Eileen Atkins (Cranford, Murder on the Orient Express) and Jean Marsh (Sense and Sensibility, Willow), with Marsh reprising her Emmy Award-winning role as Rose Buck, now promoted from parlor maid to housekeeper, and Atkins appearing as the aristocratic Lady Maud.
The story opens in 1936, six years after the Bellamy family moved out of 165 Eaton Place at the end of the original series. Recently inherited by young Sir Hallam Holland (Stoppard), the house has been long vacant and its considerable needs are taken in hand by Hallam’s vivacious wife, Agnes (Hawes).
Her first order of business is to hire servants, for which she retains Rose (Marsh), the proprietor of a domestic employment agency, although Agnes is unaware of Rose’s previous association with 165. After lining up a butler (Scarborough), a cook (Reid), a housemaid (Kendrick), and other staff, Rose realizes she may be of no further use to the new family.
And so it continues, just as it did thirty-odd years ago, with stories of the upper- class and working-class intertwining in complex and interesting ways against a backdrop of world events—in this case, the abdication crisis of Edward VIII, the growing belligerence of Hitler and Mussolini on the continent, and the rise of the British Union of Fascists under Sir Oswald Mosley.
Amid the triumphs, disasters, joys, and tears, it’s just like old times at 165 Eaton Place.
The War Between the States, The War against Northern Aggression, or simply the Civil War was when our country was fighting itself. To the North it was a fight to keep the nation as one. To the South it was the fight to be its own nation. Between the years of 1861 and 1865 Americans made war on each other and killed each other in great numbers. It may have started out as a dispute between Union and States’ rights but it ended up being about the meaning of freedom in America.
In the war homes became headquarters. Churches were no longer places of worship but a place to care for the wounded and shelter the dying. Friends and family fought side by side or against each other. Four of Lincoln’s brother-in-laws fought for the Confederacy. The town of Winchester, Virginia changed hands 72 times during the war. During this time of unrest, history was being made.
Watch The Civil War History on WPBT2 to learn more about the Civil War and the aftermath of the war itself. The documentary begins airing on April 3rd at 8 p.m. and the last episode is on April 7th at 8 p.m.
Tom Hudson, co-anchor on Nightly Business Report, is moderating Broward Public Library Foundation’s LitLive! panel at Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library on Sunday, March 27th.
LitLive! is an annual event of the Broward Public Library Foundation. The event provides the community with an opportunity to meet 21 outstanding authors and ask questions about their books. The day includes panel discussions, book signings and lectures.
The event is from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center on the Davie campus of Nova Southeastern University. Tom Hudson’s panel discussion on the topic Hanging Tough will begin at 2:15 pm. Hudson’s panel will include authors Lee Kravitz, Rob Sheffield and Caitlin Shetterly.
