(Jackson, Miss)— With striking photographs of Mississippi landscapes, people and events,
“Writers: Photo Essayists” explores how photographers tell stories without words. The television program airs on Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) this Thursday November 5 at 9 p.m. “Writers” takes an in-depth look at the writing talent Mississippi has produced by exploring a variety of authors, topics and genres.
In the show’s first segment, Maude Shuyler Clay, Jane Rule Burdine and Birney Imes, talk about their books where they chronicle the beauty of the Magnolia State through photographs. “The nature of photography is about the moment, the instant and whatever relationship you forge with a person or place. It may not take you a long time, but then there’s this lasting image and people make of it what they want,” said Clay.
The second segment presents photographer Eric Etheridge and his book “Breach of Peace, Portraits of the 1961 Mississippi Freedom Riders.” Etheridge traveled the country interviewing and photographing the Freedom Riders. The pages of his book pair the 1961 photos with his contemporary portraits—and their individual stories. “One day I just flashed on the Sovereignty Commission files,” explained Etheridge. “I saw two of them. They were stunning images, and I realized that I had my project”.
History is the topic of the final segment. Using only photographs, Turry Fluker and Phoenix Savage, trace African American history in Jackson, Miss., from the first images available. “I’ve been around locals who are flipping through the book and they recognize an aunt or a relative or they recognize the church,” Savage said. “And they begin to tell their stories.”
For web-specific content, photos, lesson plans, and more information regarding each episode of MPB’s “Writers,” visit www.mpbonline.org.
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Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides relevant instructional and public programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages through quality programs, resources and services that educate, entertain and enlighten. Children’s programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national and regional awards, including Emmys and Parents’ Choice Awards, for its productions.