Being a young Latina means living within a vibrant and varied global culture. It also means navigating identity and intersectionality. Rosanna discovers that friendship can cross all borders; Ana describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba forever; and Michele turns lemons into lemonade when she gets busted moonlighting. Three storytellers, three interpretations of GROWING UP LATINA from Stories from the Stage.
First Hand: Segregation • On-Demand
In Chicago, segregation has a profound impact on the city’s residents, touching every aspect of daily life. From disparities in housing, education and healthcare to economic inequality, FIRSTHAND: SEGREGATION illustrates the high cost of segregation, not just in dollars, but in lives lost and unrealized potential.
In the episode, the urgent need to address these deep-seated divisions in one of America’s most segregated cities is uncovered. And through personal stories, we also witness the power of individuals to effect positive change as residents strive for a more integrated and equitable community.
Produced by WTTW, FIRSTHAND goes beyond the headlines to approach this topic differently than most media outlets that report on Chicago crime. This multi-platform initiative focuses on the perspectives – the firsthand perspectives – of people and communities with lived experience.
Available through 12/31/24.
Segregation Scholarships • On-Demand
The untold story of Black Americans in pursuit of higher education in the North when Southern graduate schools were white-only.
The academics – teachers, administrators, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals, who left the South during the Great Migration, returned to the Jim Crow South to apply their knowledge towards strengthening southern Black communities and to help end segregation in the United States. SEGREGATION SCHOLARSHIPS highlights these largely unsung trailblazers and civil rights foot soldiers while illustrating the key role of education in transforming social conditions in the U.S., past and present.
Available through 9/15/29.
American Problems-Trans Solutions • On-Demand
In the United States, Black trans people are among the most marginalized of marginalized Americans. But those closest to the nation’s most pressing problems are often able to craft innovative solutions.
Award-winning journalist Imara Jones travels across the country to meet and share the stories of leaders on the frontlines of change: housing advocate Kayla Gore; Breonna McCree, a champion for economic empowerment; and Oluchi Omeoga, who fights for the rights of migrants. Despite the record-breaking number of anti-trans bills passed in 2023, these three Black trans people are addressing critical issues surrounding economic empowerment and human dignity with heart and vision.
Available through 6/23/29.
Silence in Sikeston • On-Demand
The story of how the 1942 lynching of Cleo Wright – and the subsequent failure of the first federal attempt to prosecute a lynching – continues to haunt the small city of Sikeston, Missouri. Then, in 2020, the community is faced with the police killing of a young Black father. The film SILENCE IN SIKESTON explores the necessary questions about history, trauma, silence and resilience over 78 years. Available through 9/15/31.
Scouting for Toys • WXXI-TV
Behind the scenes at internationally renowned Vectis Toys Auctioneers in Teesside, where buyers and sellers from all over the world come to trade every toy imaginable.
Scouting for Toys airs Sundays, October 6-20 at 1 p.m. on WXXI-TV.
Iconic American doll brand Barbie goes head-to-head with UK rival, Sindy. Teddy bear expert Jo receives an elderly bear and Mick looks at toy trains with grandson Charlie.
On Sunday, October 6 episodes include:
Ep. 1 Declan’s Star Wars – The Teesside toy auctioneers prepare for a major sale of TV and film memorabilia, and pride of place is given to a vast Star Wars collection.
Ep. 2 Graham Hamilton Matchbox Sale – Graham Hamilton has collected every Matchbox model car released between 1961 to 1982: amassing more than 2000 vehicles, many of them incredibly rare.
Ep. 3 Toy Theatres – The auctioneers try to value a remarkable set of toy theatres – some more than 150 years old with expert advice from Pollock’s Toy Museum.
Ep. 4 Lego – As Lego enthusiast David prepares to release some of his prized sets at auction, Andy and Dave are hoping to pick up some sought after construction boxes for their joint collection.
On Sunday, October 13 episodes include:
Ep. 5 Charlie Bears – Teddy bear expert Jo receives a large collection of Charlie Bear teddies from a single seller, including some very rare bears.
Ep. 6 Meccano – A huge consignment of Meccano arrives from a single seller. It represents a lifetime’s passion and has been well played with but painstakingly restored.
Ep. 7 Antique Dolls – A vast haul of antique dolls arrives in the saleroom, passed on by the husband of a deceased artist. Other highlights include Star Wars toys and a passionate Transit van man.
Ep. 8 Mr. Timpo – Miniature plastic figurine collector Michael Maughan is selling some of his impressive Timpo collection.
On Sunday, October 20 episodes include:
Ep. 9 Karl Lagerfeld – A much sought after, Karl Lagerfeld teddy bear is sent to auction, creating a buzz of excitement among staff and collectors alike.
Ep. 10 Barbie – Iconic American doll brand Barbie goes head-to-head with UK rival, Sindy. Teddy bear expert Jo receives an elderly bear and Mick looks at toy trains with grandson Charlie.
Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers Jazz à Vienne • WXXI-TV
Get ready to dance, dance, dance!
Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers Jazz à Vienne airs Saturday, April 12 at 5 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.
The special features the irresistible rhythm guitar of Nile Rodgers and funk-inspired vocals of Chic. Filmed in 2013 at the famous Jazz à Vienne music festival in France, the program offers a selection of Nile Rodgers-produced songs made famous by Diana Ross, David Bowie, Madonna, Duran Duran and Sister Sledge, plus a few of their own hits.
Opening with “Everybody Dance,” the program proceeds with a line-up of instantly recognizable hit songs spanning from disco and R&B to funk and pop. From Diana Ross’ “Upside Down” to Sister Sledge’s “We are Family,” to the chart-topping smash hit “Le Freak,” the concert is an energetic, non-stop danceathon. Additional songs include “I’m Coming Out/Upside Down,” “Like a Virgin,” “Let’s Dance,” “Original Sin,” and “Notorious.”
Joining the multi-talented Niles Rodgers on stage is lead vocalist Kimberly Davis, saxophonist William Holloman, keyboardists Selan Learner and Richard Hilton, trombonist Folami Ankoanda Thompson, bassist Milton Barnes, trumpeter Steven Jankowski and drummer Ralph Rolle. Together, they deliver the funky riffs, irresistible bass lines, and catchy lyrics Nile and Chic made famous.
Photo: Chic and Nile Rodgers perform a few of their own hits.
Credit: Provided by APT
VOCES American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos Educational Resources
“If our contributions were written back into history textbooks, can you imagine how America would see us?’ says Leguizamo. “More importantly, can you imagine how we would see ourselves?” Photo: Creator and host John Leguizamo on the set of AMERICAN HISTORIA./ Credit: NGL Studios
Inspired by his quest to uncover Latino and Latina heroes and their contributions, this new three-part series brings acclaimed Broadway and film actor John Leguizamo’s passion from the stage to the screen.
Educational Resources:
American Historia PBS LearningMedia Collection: (6-12): Video clips and classroom resources
Backgrounder Interviews
Podcast: NPR Fresh Air October 2, 2024 show interviewed John Leguizamo about how he was helping his son with a school project because his son was being bullied. He learned how little Latino history, if any, was represented in textbooks and classes. It led him to research Latino role in U.S. history and changing his whole outlook on representation and little-known history. This eventually led to VOCES American Historia, a three-part PBS docuseries he co-created with director Ben DeJesus. The series features interviews and facts that highlight Latino contributions to American history and culture.
PBS Filmmakers Q&A: Join actor John Leguizamo on a quest to uncover Latino and Latina heroes and their contributions. In this new three-part series, Leguizamo takes viewers on a captivating journey, delving into both well-known and lesser-known stories of Latino history, spanning thousands of years, from the Ancient Empires to the present, and shining a light on the rich and often overlooked history of Latinos. Filmmakers Q&A
The full series is available to watch on Passport if you are a WXXI Member
Episode 1: Echoes of Empires: Join host John Leguizamo as he examines the accomplishments and rise of the Great Empires and civilizations in Mexico, South America and the Caribbean, from the Taino to the Olmec, Inca, Maya, Aztec, and more. Although they were ultimately decimated by the conquistadors, these societies had an enduring influence on culture, agriculture, and the sciences.
Episode 2: Threads in the American Tapestry: Explore how Latino DNA has been woven into the identity of the United States since before her inception, and has been pivotal all along the way. Despite facing severe discrimination and violence, Latinos were present and contributed in pivotal ways to the fabric of this nation. Highlighting key figures and events, host John Leguizamo shows how Latinos helped build the United States we know today.
Episode 3: Solidarity in a New Era: Host John Leguizamo explores the rise of the new empire, the United States. While Latinos were often relegated to the fringes of mainstream society, they made profound contributions to the fabric of the U.S. and beyond. Reflecting on his journey, John learns that Latinos were not just an asterisk in history, but that Latino history is the history of the United States.
See the Extended Preview Trailer
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