Jan. 28, 2011

For More Information:
Lynn Brockmeyer, WPT publicist, 608-263-3364,
Erik Ernst, WPT promotion manager, 608-265-3853,

Wisconsin Public Television’s February Programs Honor Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, programs on Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) commemorate and celebrate the contributions of blacks throughout American history.

At 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, Independent Lens “When I Rise” is the story of Barbara Smith Conrad, a gifted music student who struggled against the odds to reach the heights of international opera.

At 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, WPT Home Theater presents “The Color Purple.” The feature-length film, centered on a young black girl named Celie, shows the problems black women faced during the early 1900s — poverty, racism and sexism. WPT will present an encore of “The Color Purple” at 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19.

At 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, Independent Lens “Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene” profiles America’s original shock-jock. Greene unsettled the establishment as he battled the system and his own demons on a journey to becoming a leading activist.

At 11 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, Austin City Limits features “Allen Toussaint.” As a composer, Toussaint has defined the state of New Orleans R&B and soul for 50 years with hits that include “Southern Nights,” “Working On a Coal Mine,” “Mother-in-Law” and “Fortune Teller.”

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Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA-TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire.

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