paradiseweb.org

Fort Mill, SC

The documentary film “The Road to Paradise” 'A quest for enlightenment' is an inspiring portrait of the rich cultural history of the rural American south. The film is based on historical accounts of the origins of a small Black community passionately known as Paradise. This story follows six generations of Black citizens starting with emancipated slaves and ends with public school desegregation of the 1960's. It explores the much forgotten contributions of former slaves and their quest for knowledge. It also examines the social, economic and political challenges each generation faced during this 100 year period.

This project is an incredible opportunity to commemorate the end of the Civil War and emancipation and highlights various aspects of a community’s quest to assimilate during this turbulent period.

This project has many moving parts. Currently, we are focused on conducting interviews and establishing the basic storyline. The camera and audio equipment issues are working out great and plans are on the way to create a screenplay/re-enactment of daily life in this small southern town.

I want to thank those of you who have contributed to the making of this film and hope that you will continue to support me in this important work.

ETV Presents Engaging Lineup of Programs
Celebrating African-American History Month
Local and National Programs Honoring African-American Heritage Air Statewide Beginning Feb. 3

Columbia, SC... In February, ETV spotlights the enduring contributions that African-Americans have made to the diverse landscape of American society. The Carolina Stories documentary “Jail, No Bail” kicks off the month of special programming on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 8 and 8:30 p.m. followed by ETV’s national Independent Lens presentation of Scarred Justice: The Orangeburg Massacre 1968 at 9 p.m.

“Jail, No Bail” is a 30-minute long documentary that pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the sit-in that introduced a new protest strategy and turned the tables on the establishment, while at the same time reinvigorating the Civil Rights movement nationally. The program also honors the “Friendship Nine” and the bold stand the Friendship College students took in the face of extreme injustice.
Narrated by award-winning actor Keith David, “Jail, No Bail” is a powerful examination of the personal trials and adversities that tested the character and resolve of this group of young men. The program dramatically moves through the 1961 peaceful protest and shares revelations from eight of the surviving members of the Friendship Nine, as well as the tenth student who posted bail. The show also offers never-before-told specifics of this historic demonstration.

Columbia, SC…As South Carolina climbs slowly out of the Great Recession, families still find themselves faced with the daunting task of paying for college, even as they watch tuition rates rise. To help those families, ETV and the South Carolina Department of Education’s ITV team have once again put together a special program with updated information for 2011 that no parent or student will want to miss.
“Finding Money for College” airs LIVE Sunday, January 30, 5-7 p.m. on ETV. The new program will be hosted by Bette Jamison, co-hosted by Warren Wise, and will feature West Ashley High School from the Charleston County School District. School counselors from West Ashley will share how they assist students in finding money for higher education, and eight seniors talk peer-to-peer about what has helped them in the process.
Throughout the program, a panel of financial aid experts from SC colleges and universities, the SC Student Loan Corporation, SC Tuition Grants, and the Commission on Higher Education provide the current ins-and-outs of expenditures associated with pursuing a degree in higher education.
Viewers are invited to call in with inquiries during the live broadcast via a toll-free number that will be announced on air. Encore broadcasts are schedule for:

Sunday, Feb. 6 at 6–8 p.m. on the South Carolina Channel
Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 9:30–11:30 p.m. on the ETV World Channel

*Note: Call-in questions will not be answered during encore airings.

SCETV - Spike Lee's Television Adaptation of the Broadway Musical "Passing Strange"

Airs statewide on ETV on Jan. 13 at 9 p.m.

Columbia, SC...We are all a part of the human race; however, we are also a part of smaller groups. Whether it is a group that identifies a certain religion or a certain socioeconomic status, we always find ways to categorize ourselves. But what happens if the group of which you are a member does not fit? How do you go against your family and community values, to pursue a different path in life? On Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 9 p.m., ETV's airing of "Passing Strange," will answer those trying questions as an African American character who is simply called "Youth," leaves the country in search of his personal identity.

"Passing Strange," a coming of age story, was loosely based off of the life of co-writer, Stew Rodewald, the critically revered singer and songwriter. Both Stew and Heidi Rodewald wrote the play for Broadway. However, at the end of its run in July 2008, it was recorded for television by Spike Lee.