WVIZ/PBS ideastream®: Stokes: An American Dream
Encore broadcast on WVIZ/PBS Sunday, February 22 at 5:00 PM
WVIZ/PBS invites Northeast Ohio viewers to learn about two Cleveland icons, Louis and Carl Stokes, in the premiere of the WVIZ/PBS ideastream® production Stokes: An American Dream, which airs Monday, February 9 at 9pm as part of the celebration of Black History Month. An encore broadcast is scheduled for Sunday, February 22 at 5pm.
Stokes: An American Dream takes a look at the lives of two African-American Clevelanders who changed the course of American politics – Louis and Carl Stokes. The program begins with the brothers as young men growing up in utter poverty and then moves through their journeys of perseverance and dedication as they became prominent Northeast Ohio politicians. Carl was elected the first black mayor of a major American city and Lou became the first black US Congressman from Ohio.
This landmark documentary covers their life story filled with hopes and dreams and offers viewers intimate stories from their friends and colleagues. Jesse Jackson called Carl “a national hero” and former Cleveland Mayor Mike White said the brothers were “unflinching and fearless.” Historians and President Barack Obama make the point that without the Stokes brothers, American politics might have been very different. Interviews with both Louis and Carl also provide unique insight and some never-before-told stories.
You can order a copy of Stokes: An American Dream on DVD for $19.95 (plus $5 shipping). Call 216-916-6301 or send an email to place your order. Educators: please call 216-916-6352 or send an email to order a copy of Stokes: An American Dream on DVD for $10 (shipping included in cost).
This WVIZ/PBS documentary was produced in partnership with The Western Reserve Historical Society. Production of Stokes: An American Dream is made possible in part by grants from Key Foundation, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Inc. and the supporters of WVIZ/PBS.
Learn more about Carl and Louis Stokes
For educational resources, a virtual exhibit, and an interactive time line containing streaming video and audio, photographs, and documents pertaining to the lives of Carl and Louis Stokes visit the Carl and Louis Stokes: From the Projects To Politics web site.
Watch Profiles: A Conversation with Louis Stokes produced by The Village Television in 2006.
