Freedom's Edge:
First aired in 1997, this award-winning series was produced by WHYY
with the help of funding by the Delaware Humanities Forum. Freedom's
Edge traces the history of African Americans in Delaware -- a state
that was one of the first in the South to begin freeing slaves and one
of the last to abolish slavery. This documentary is, however, more
than a history of slavery. It focuses on free African Americans and
their accomplishments as residents of the state. It describes the
internal struggle Delaware experienced in the 1700's and 1800's, from
the early abolitionist movements to Harriet Tubman's Underground
Railroad stops in the state. It also profiles the successful free
African Americans who started the nation's first independent black
churches in the early 1800's. Three University of Delaware faculty
served as consultants and experts during its production: Dr. Carole
Marks, director of the Black American Studies Program; Dr. William
Williams, professor of history; and Dr. James Newton, professor of
Black American studies. Click here to view
Freedom's Edge via RealVideo.
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Struggles of the Shadows:
This half hour documentary follows five local teenagers as they
explore the free African community in Philadelphia while slavery still
existed in the United States. Five teenagers from the Philadelphia
School District researched, scripted, and produced the film, with the
support of Scribe Video Center. The teens are currently or have been
students at the Girard Academic Music Program, Roxborough High School,
Masterman High School, and the Creative and Performing Arts High
School. Their documentary uses the students' present realities as a
springboard for relating the history of free African youth in
Philadelphia prior to 1863. Archival manuscripts, artifacts,
photographs, drawings, and footage of historic sites, including Mother
Bethel A.M.E. Church and Washington Square Park, are combined with
student interviews, scholars' comments, and talks with tour guides. Click here to view a segment from "Struggles of the
Shadows" via RealVideo.
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RealPlayer. Don't have it? Download a free
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Documentaries Related to the
Flight to Freedom - Monday, October 19 at 10 PM - "Flight to Freedom" profiles the people, places, and events connected with the history of the Underground Railroad, and modern efforts to preserve remaining stations on the freedom trails. It is narrated by Cicely Tyson.
Cecil B. Moore - Wednesday, October 21 at 10 PM - "Cecil B. Moore" is a biography of the Philadelphia lawyer and city councilman who fought racial injustice in North Philadelphia and in other cities around the country.
A Great Day in Harlem - Thursday, October 22 at 10 PM - This Oscar-nominated documentary traces the evolution of jazz from its origins to the present.
W.E.B. Du Bois: A Biography in Four Voices - Friday, October 23 at 9 PM - TV 12 presents the life story of one of America's greatest leaders, activists, leaders, and historians.