South Carolina ETV announces Front Porch Carolinas special, highlighting Civil Rights history across the state

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina ETV (SCETV) will premiere a new collaborative program, Front Porch Carolinas, with its debut special exploring key Civil Rights landmarks in South Carolina. The program will air Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. on ETV, presenting compelling stories produced by each of SCETV’s four regional studios.

The special takes viewers to sites that played pivotal roles in South Carolina’s Civil Rights history, including:

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Site – Greenwood, SC

Honoring the life of Dr. Mays, the son of former slaves who became an intellectual leader of the Civil Rights movement, this site celebrates his advocacy for nonviolence and civil resistance. As president of Morehouse College, Mays mentored many movement leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and advised three U.S. presidents.

Sumter County Museum – Sumter, SC

Located in the historic Williams-Brice House, the museum features attractions such as the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center and the Carolina Backcountry Homestead, highlighting the region’s cultural and historical legacy.

Mather School/Mather Museum – Beaufort, SC

Founded in 1868 by Boston teacher Rachael Crane Mather to educate the children of formerly enslaved people, this historic school now operates as a museum on the campus of the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

The Kounter Restaurant – Rock Hill, SC

The site of the 1961 lunch counter sit-in by the Friendship 9, who pioneered the “Jail, No Bail” strategy. The segment includes conversations with current owner Chef Rob Masone and David Williamson, one of the original Friendship 9 members.

Front Porch Carolinas was developed through close collaboration among SCETV’s regional studios, with the goal of sharing the state’s interconnected stories. By weaving together narratives from different regions, the special offers a comprehensive look at South Carolina’s shared history and cultural heritage.

Front Porch Carolinas was made possible through support from the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.

In addition to broadcast, Front Porch Carolinas will be available to stream using the PBS app, the SCETV app and on SCETV.org.

QUOTES

“Our regional studios have so many powerful stories to tell, and this program allows us to connect them in a way that reflects the shared struggles and triumphs of communities across the state. We hope these stories inspire viewers to not only learn about the past, but to visit these historic sites themselves.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“We wanted to spotlight locations and events to encourage residents and visitors to experience and explore the rich history of SC.” –Front Porch Carolinas Executive Producer Robert Pascucci

FAST FACTS

• SCETV premieres Front Porch Carolinas on Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. on ETV.
• The special takes viewers to sites that played pivotal roles in South Carolina’s Civil Rights history.
• The program is a joint production from SCETV’s four regional studios, each producing stories tied to a central theme.
• In addition to broadcast, Front Porch Carolinas will be available to stream using the PBS app, the SCETV app and on SCETV.org.

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.