WUCF TV and FM will broadcast new specials beginning Friday focused on race in America and the ensuing protests across the county. In addition, content will focus on examining race, racism and how to talk to children on social justice, equality and the impact of racism.

On Friday, June 5, at 8:30 p.m., WUCF’s NewsNight, will examine the local aspect of protests following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota and talk to key leaders on what is being done across Central Florida. Panelists include host Nancy Alvarez, WFTV; Deanna Allbrittin, WFTV; Renata Sago, independent journalist; and Matthew Peddie, WMFE. The program will also feature interviews with state Rep. Anna Eskamani and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on what is being done locally.

At 9 p.m., WUCF’s NewsNight Conversations: A Question of Race: Answers for Kids, gives time for experts in child psychology, social justice and education to discuss how to talk with children about racism and current events.

‘WUCF is committed using our voice to help the community understand how to have conversations about race, fairness and justice.’

– Phil Hoffman, WUCF executive director.

Following at 9:30 p.m., WUCF airs Race Matters: America in Crisis – A PBS NewsHour Special, centering on the frustration pouring out onto American streets, outrage about police brutality, and America’s deep systemic racial disparities in the economy, education, criminal justice system and health care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The special will be anchored by managing editor Judy Woodruff with contributions from senior national correspondent Amna Nawaz, correspondent Yamiche Alcindor and special correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault. The program will include grassroots voices from around the country and roundtable conversations with thought leaders and other newsmakers.

WUCF FM will air a special edition of the locally produced program, Magazine, on Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m. The program will feature music by jazz bassist Christian McBride and his new album, The Movement Revisited. This collection highlights the motivating forces and goals of the civil rights movement in an artist context.

“WUCF is committed using our voice to help the community understand how to have conversations about race, fairness and justice,” says Phil Hoffman, WUCF executive director.

On Sunday, June 14, at noon, WUCF will air The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,  a film by  Henry Louis Gates Jr. which chronicles African American history from the origins of slavery on the African continent through more than four centuries of remarkable events.

America in Black and Blue 2020, which broadcasts on WUCF Monday, June 15, at 9 p.m., will report from across the country, and include interviews with key leaders and participants in the struggle for racial justice, accountability and equity, as well as voices from law enforcement. The special will bring context and insight.

PBS announced the following films and specials are available for streaming:

  • Frontline “Policing the Police,”: This 2016 episode features writer and historian Jelani Cobb examining allegations of abuses within the Newark Police Department and the challenge of fixing its broken relationship with the community.
  • Reconstruction: America After the Civil War, a four-part series that explores the transformative years when the nation struggled to rebuild itself in the face of profound loss, and African Americans forged a new, more equal place in American social and political life, only to face the backlash of segregation and institutionalized disempowerment whose legacy persists today.
  • Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise, a detailed exploration of how the civil rights movement impacted the country, including successes and failures related to political and economic equality.

PBS KIDS will offer families resources to discuss race, racism, civil rights, current events and more with young children, including a virtual event on YouTube on Tuesday, June 9, at 3:30 p.m.  with parents, teachers and child-development experts. PBS LEARNINGMEDIA will offer materials to help educators talk with students about race in America and current events, including classroom-ready resources for a variety of grade levels aligned to state and national standards. Professional learning materials for educators will also be available later this month. In the spirit of providing resources and information on topics exploring race in America, PBS DIGITAL STUDIOS will curate a themed playlist featuring wide-ranging content from some of its most popular series, including SAY IT LOUD, ABOVE THE NOISE, ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING and CRASH COURSE. Programs explore “The Origin of Race in the USA,” “Should We Police Our Police,” “The Reason #BlackTwitter Exists (And Is Totally Awesome),” “What Does Resistance Look Like” and many more.

For more on WUCF programming, educational resources and more, visit: wucf.org/race-matters.