Free public screening and discussion to be held Saturday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. at the New York State Museum’s Huxley Theater, with broadcast debut on WMHT set for Feb. 9
Companion piece to PBS documentary series ‘Great Migrations: A People on the Move,’ film explores the history of African Americans who left everything behind to make the Capital Region home
Albany, NY – WMHT Public Media, a multichannel public communications organization serving Eastern New York and Western New England, today announced the premiere of an original documentary, North to New York: The Great Migration in NY’s Capital Region. Presented during Black History Month, the half-hour program explores the migration of African Americans from the small town of Shubuta, Mississippi to Albany, NY and surrounding areas, forming the roots of a community celebrated each September as Mississippi Day in the Capital Region. A special premiere screening of the documentary, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. at the New York State Museum’s Huxley Theater. That event will also feature a discussion on the history and legacy of those that left all they knew behind to make the Capital Region home. Panelists include Stephanie Woodard, President of the Rapp Road Historical Association; Willie White, Founder of AVillage Inc.; Clarence Samuel Johnson, son of Reverend John “Jack” Johnson; and Jennifer Lemak, Ph.D., Chief Curator of History with the New York State Museum.
North to New York: The Great Migration in NY’s Capital Region was produced by WMHT as a companion piece to Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s PBS documentary series Great Migrations: A People on the Move, which examines the transformative impact of Black migration on American culture and society. From the waves of Black Americans to the North – and back South – over the last century to the growing number of immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean today, the film shows how movement is a defining feature of the Black experience.
“We are delighted to showcase and celebrate the spirit and determination of those who demonstrated strength and courage in seeking a better life, and found one in our region,” said Anthony V. Hayes, President and CEO of WMHT Public Media and Board Chair of the Association for Public Broadcasting Stations (APBS), which represents public broadcasters statewide. “In sharing their stories, North to
New York: The Great Migration in NY’s Capital Region provides valuable insights on the importance of continuing to nurture a rich and diverse community that lifts up and offers opportunity to all.”
North to New York: The Great Migration in NY’s Capital Region will make its broadcast debut on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. on WMHT. The program will also air on WMHT on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 10 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m.; and Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
For additional details on North to New York: The Great Migration in NY’s Capital Region, and to register for the premiere screening and discussion, visit www.wmht.org/north-to-new-york.
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About WMHT Public Media
Serving Eastern New York and Western New England, WMHT Public Media is the only locally owned, nonprofit, multichannel public communications organization that reaches beyond the traditional broadcasting model to act as a leader by convening arts, culture, learning and civic interests. WMHT focuses on Community, Culture and Connections by providing entertainment, enrichment and engagement through television, radio, digital media, and educational services. Services include WMHT-DT (17.1), WMHT-Create (17.2), WMHT-World (17.3), WMHT PBS Kids (17.4), WMHT-FM 89.1 & WRHV-FM 88.7 (classical public radio), and WEXT Radio 97.7/106.1 (AAA public radio). WMHT also operates RISE, a radio reading service for the blind and print disabled.
Contacts:
Will Pedigo
Vice President and Chief Content & Engagement Officer, WMHT Public Media (518) 880-3435 | wpedigo@wmht.org
Steve Janack
Principal, The Janack Group (518) 810-8050 | steve@thejanackgroup.com