Southern Lens Documentaries in February

During February, SCETV's Southern Lens highlight aspects of the African American experience in South Carolina.

Although none of them specifically focus on the history, culture, and environment of Beaufort County, insights garnered by watching the documentaries could help our understanding of race relations, critical contemporary issues, and traditions within the black community.

February 4th 10:00pm -- Scarred Justice

On February 8, 1968, police fired upon students protesting on a U.S. college campus. Within eight seconds Delano Middleton, Henry Smith, and Samuel Hammond, Jr. lay dying and at least 27 students lay wounded on the campus of South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, S.C. All of the police were white, all of the students African-American. More information about making the documentary is available online.

Related BDC materials: The Orangeburg Massacre, 2nd edition, by Jack Bass and Jack Nelson (call number SC 975.77 NEL)

February 11th 10:00pm -- My Name Ain't Eve explores the historical paths, traditions and contemporary methods used to name African American children, as well as the evolution of names for the Black race.

Related BDC materials: Gullah Cultural Legacies by Emory S. Campbell (call number SC 305.8961 CAM) defines "basket name," a separate appellation among the local native black islanders than the baby's legal name filed with the government; and The Gullah People and their African Heritage by William S. Pollitzer (call number SC 975 POL) devotes several pages to naming patterns.

February 18th 10:00pm -- The Telling Takes Me Home follows the political path taken by Guy and Candie Carawan.

Related BDC materials: Ain't you got a right to the tree of life? the people of Johns Island, South Carolina--their faces, their words, and their songs by Guy Carawan is available in the BDC, BEA, BLU, and HHI.

February 25th 10:00pm -- Bin Yah explores the stresses of development upon African American culture in the Mt. Pleasant area.

Related BDC materials: Ask for the "Development Issues" vertical file during your next visit to our Research Room. Read the Resources section on the the Gullah/Geechee Heritage Corridor website to learn more.