February 03rd, 2016

 Ellyn Pence

    Your documentary is absolutely superb. So many thoughts and memories went through my mind while I was watching. Of course, many of them were personal because I grew up in Jackson and attended Provine just ahead of you. I know that it would touch many people in many ways. The quality of the presentation is excellent. It is as good or better than some PBS documentaries. I do wish it could be seen on all PBS stations.

    One thing I remember clearly is that the white churches dug their heels in against integration in the 50's. Why is it that Christians (and other religions) are always the last to recognize when a cultural phenomenon is clearly against any standard of decency and needs to be changed? Religion is so static. (My humble opinion!) Therefore, I'm not too impressed that there are prayer breakfasts being held alternately in white and black churches at this late date. It seems too little too late to me. I am much more impressed with the more natural interaction of races in secular environments (schools, offices, restaurants, etc.) that are shown in the film.​

    Also, I am so pleased with the quality of the music and your use of it in the context of the video. It greatly enhances and adds to your story. As a public school music teacher, I have often told the students that one of the first places that integration took place was in musical groups, some as far back as the beginning of the 20th century.