Programs that have appeared on National PBS and local public television.
Nubia and the Mysteries of Kush (26 minutes, Ancient History)
An exploration of the ancient Nubian Kingdom of Kush through the eyes and experience of archaeologist and ordinary folk. While this kingdom existed intact between 750 BC through 350 AD and includes a rich legacy of political power, commerce and technological innovation in the Nile Valley, little has been known about it until now.
Tracking Syphilis: Countdown to Elimination (26 minutes, Health Issues)
Chicago achieved the dubious distinction of leading the nation in new cases of syphilis in 2000. This documentary takes an inside look at innovative efforts by the Chicago Department of Public Health, collaborating with a coalition of health and social organizations, to rid the city of this disease and help meet the Centers for Disease Control's goal of complete syphilis elimination in the United States by 2005.
Amazon Rising : Seasons of the River (26 minutes, Nature)
Immerse yourself in a journey to the Amazon River basin, the most mysterious and diverse habitat on earth. In this documentary companion to Chicago's Shedd Aquarium's exciting exhibit, experience the changing seasons of the floodplain forest and learn how animals, plants and people exist together, and how they adapt to the floods and receding waters of this majestic waterway.
For My People : The Life and Writing of Margaret
Walker (26 minutes,
Biography)
Narrated by Ruby Dee, this story explores the life
and work of "the most famous person nobody knows,"
writer Margaret Walker. Conversations with Walker,
scholars and writers are woven together with archival
footage, poetry and images from Walker's work to
reveal her distinctive style and voice that spoke
to an America emerging from the Depression, going
to war, and advancing civil/social rights.
Narrated by Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, this story uses archival footage and on-camera interviews to reveal the little known, but important chapter in US history: how America's attorneys volunteered to assist Black Mississippians in their battle for the right to vote and political representation in the 1960's. It is a story of persistence and courage in the face of oppression and life-threatening violence.
About the Children : School Reform, Year 4
(56 minutes, Educational Issues)
How has school reform impacted upon the children?
By following daily activities of one child in one
typical Chicago public school, WTTW/Channel 11 continues
its commitment to Chicago's school reform efforts
in its examination of the successes, issues, and
politics of school reform.
Programs distributed to schools, community groups, libraries and non-profit organizations.
Destructive Force: Hip Hop Imagery in Advertising (12 minutes, Media Literacy)
A 12 minute educational video and curriculum guide designed to facilitate classroom discussion about how hip hop imagery in advertising influences and manipulates youth of color. The video follows Kuumba Lynx, a Chicago-based hip hop organization, as they disentangle hip hop culture from the products and messages companies are attempting to sell. Intended for ages 13 - 19.
Furious Flower II: The Black Poetic Tradition (Three part series, 60 minutes each, Arts)
Explore the world of today's Black poetry and watch as one of America's most exciting cultural movements evolves. Outstanding critical scholarship on Black contemporary poetry's origins and trends, its conflicts and consonances. Notable poets give impassioned readings and share insights about their creative process, personal inspiration, and life as a published writer.
Syphilis Prevention: What You Can Do (9 minutes, Health Issues)
Syphilis Prevention: What You Can Do is an artfully executed educational video that addresses the myths and facts surrounding syphilis - the ages old sexually transmitted disease. Part of the national effort to effectively eliminate Syphilis, Juneteenth Productions was chosen to develop an impactful educational video that transcended the usual monotony of health videos about sex and STDs.
Changing Lives : America's Youth Courts (20 minutes, Social Issues)
This documentary shows the vital bond between the courts, the community and the individual through the eyes of youth involved with the teen court movement; an attempt to provide compassionate justice, dispensed by peers encouraged to consider the most therapeutic solution for defendant and community alike.
Facing Violence Minutes (Five 1-minute PSA's, Social Issues)
Chicago Matters Minutes exposes some of the myths about violence and violent behavior in a series of one-minute informational pieces that will replace distorted perceptions with factual vignettes. The intended impact is to give viewers an insight into one aspect about violence, eliminating some of the prejudice and fear surrounding it and leaving them encouraged that this problem is solvable.
Media campaigns targeting social issues to solve problems and change behavior.
Tal Como Somos (Just As We Are)
Television documentary, educational video, discussion guide and community outreach activities addressing negative stigma overcome by gays in Latino communities. Collaboration with Dr. Jesus Ramirez-Valles, University of Illinois Chicago. Funded by the National Institutes of Health.
TV documentary; educational video; TV commercials; website; print, public transit and website advertising; posters and community outreach activities for prevention, testing and treatment of syphilis for the Chicago Department of Public Health. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and the City of Chicago.
Natural health care has existed throughout history, however humanity has lost touch with much of this knowledge. We've forgotten basic truths about nature and our connectin with it. Website, brochures and radio advertisements were produced to reveal natural healing principles and practices that continue to be effective today.
Focus group research, radio commercials, print and outdoor advertising, posters and community-placed advertisements for the Chicago Department of Public Health. Funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
