Kansas City PBS has announced Passing the Baton, a new series of digital shorts from Regional Emmy-nominated Womontown producer Sandy Woodson and longtime urban educator Carl Boyd. The series consists of unscripted conversations between prominent civil rights trailblazers in Kansas City and the next generation of local leaders.
The premiere episode of the series, released today via Kansas City PBS’ digital news source Flatland, highlights Alvin Brooks, president emeritus of the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime, in conversation with Jermaine Reed, managing partner of KGR Consultants and former member of the Kansas City, Missouri, City Council.
Additional installments feature:
- Dr. Carmeletta Williams, chief executive officer of the Black Archives of Mid-America, in conversation with Shonta James, Williams’ executive assistant.
- Diane Charity, leader and co-founder of KC Tenants, in conversation with Brian Hullaby, a fellow leader in the organization.
- Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Pastor John Modest Miles in conversation with educator Jannette Bush.
- Sonny Gibson, Kansas City Black historian, in conversation with DeQuai Wilson, radio producer and announcer and major community activist against violent crime.
“Kansas City PBS is honored to share these important stories of local leaders who have had such a lasting impact on future generations of leaders and the Kansas City community at large,” said Kliff Kuehl, president & CEO of Kansas City PBS. “Passing the Baton provided the perfect opportunity to bring trailblazers together for big, meaningful conversations.”
“Carl Boyd approached me a couple of years ago about doing a show called Passing the Baton to feature local Black civic leaders with the goal of capturing their important stories to pass on for generations to come,” said producer Sandy Woodson. “I was honored to take on this project and partner with Carl.”
Passing the Baton is presented with support from Health Forward Foundation and Husch Blackwell.