'Briars' sheds light on piece of Civil Rights history

AMERICUS, Ga. - "Briars in the Cotton Patch: The Story of Koinonia Farm," a new one-hour documentary, recounts the tale of race and religion from an almost forgotten chapter in civil rights history. Public Broadcasting Service is distributing the documentary nationally for showing in February during Black History Month.

Koinonia Farm is significant for its stand against racial segregation more than a decade prior to the Civil Rights Movement.

Koinonia, an interracial Christian community in Sumter County, Ga., and its founder Clarence Jordan became the target of the local white community's hatred and violence because of beliefs in racial equality. Koinonia would endure years of bombings, shootings and economic boycotts - including attacks by the Ku Klux Klan - to become the birthplace of the worldwide movement of Habitat for Humanity.

"'Briars in the Cotton Patch' is the intriguing story of a courageous Christian whose historic racial experiment predated the more famous civil rights movement by 15 years," said former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. "Dr. Clarence Jordan is an inspiration to all those who believe in peace, freedom and justice."

Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young narrates the story that takes viewers from Koinonia Farm's humble beginnings in 1942 through the turbulent Civil Rights Era and into its modern day challenges and successes.

Nearly four years in the making, 'Briars' uses extensive archival sources and interviews with more than 30 people that capture the deep and long-standing emotions of local residents and members of Koinonia Farm.

"Briars in the Cotton Patch" is scheduled for national PBS distribution in February as part of Black History Month. Check your local listings for air dates and times.

For more information about Briars in the Cotton Patch, visit www.briarsdocumentary.com.

Here are TV channels and times "Briars." in the Indiana Area.

WIPB-Indianapolis/Muncie: Sat., Feb. 19 at 10 p.m.; Monday, Feb 21 at 3 a.m.; Wed., Feb.23 at 2 a.m.; Thurs., Feb. 24 at 2 a.m.
WTIU-Indianapolis: Monday, Feb. 21 at midnight
WNIN-Evansville: TBA
WFWA-Ft. Wayne: TBA
WUSI-Terre Haute: Tues., Feb. 1 at 9 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.
WKMA-Evansville: Sat., Feb. 5 at 10 p.m.
WKOH-Evansville: Sat., Feb. 5 at 10 p.m.

Illinois

WTTW-Chicago: Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

Kentucky

WKMJ-Louisville: Sat., Feb. 5 at 10 p.m.
WKPC-Louisville: Sat., Feb. 5 at 10 p.m.
WKOH-Owensboro/Henderson: Sat., Feb. 5 at 10 p.m.
WKON-Owenton: Sat., Feb. 5 at 10 p.m.

Ohio

WCET-Cincinnati: Monday, Feb. 28 at 10 p.m.
WCVN-Cincinnati: Saturday, Feb. 5 at 10 p.m.
WKON-Cincinnati: Saturday, Feb. 5 at 10 p.m.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

Questions or comments: webmaster@inareaumc.org