Spring 2021
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO, PAUL GROVE
What can I say to our dedicated viewers and members but thank you?
Because of your steadfast commitment to WEDU in these challenging and ever-changing times, our station has continued to thrive in this climate. We have you to thank for that.
Because of you, we continue to broaden horizons, transport, transform and open gateways to new ideas and new worlds. As you’ll read in this newsletter, we have exciting programming planned for the coming months, including new documentaries that shed light on a variety of interesting and diverse topics; the upcoming National Memorial Day Concert; a celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month; and so much more. You make it all possible on WEDU.
I feel especially inspired in the wake of our 16th annual Be More Awards, which this year was a celebration of all of our award winners over the past 15 years. This retrospective look at the amazing work of our local West Central Florida nonprofit organizations served to remind us of the incredible resilience and strong spirit present all around us this past year.
Once again, I thank you for not only tuning in to WEDU but also supporting the station. We are truly stronger with you.
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month With WEDU!
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with us by tuning in to a special program lineup that pays tribute to the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have helped shape American history.
American Masters: Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir
On May 3 at 9 p.m., learn about the life and legacy of Amy Tan, the famed American author of The Joy Luck Club, on American Masters: Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir.
Independent Lens: The Donut King
Also this month, Independent Lens: The Donut King showcases the obstacles, redemption, wealth, survival and risk that led Ted Ngoy to establish a popular and successful California doughnut chain. Airs Monday, May 24 at 10 p.m.
Asian Americans
And tune in for a reprise of last year’s groundbreaking five-part documentary, Asian Americans featuring expert perspectives and historical accounts exploring their impact on America’s past, present and future. Airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m., beginning May 11.
POV Spotlights Working Parents on Through the Night
Now in its 33rd season, POV—television’s longest-running showcase for independent nonfiction films—features Through the Night, a special documentary that explores the personal cost of our modern economy through the stories of two working mothers and one childcare provider whose lives intersect at a 24-hour daycare facility in New Rochelle, New York.
The film, which has been selected for the Tribeca Film Festival, tells the compelling and heartbreaking tale of the hidden heroes helping today’s working families get by.
Airs Monday, May 10 at 10 p.m.
Follow the Survival and Interactions of African Animals on Life at the Waterhole
Follow key waterhole animals surviving, adapting, and interacting during the hugely challenging transformation from the baking hot dry season to the colossal downpours of Africa’s rains on Life at the Waterhole.
The three-episode documentary features Dr. M. Sanjayan as he works with a wildlife reserve and local communities to build a unique African waterhole rigged with cameras in Tanzania.
Waterholes are vital to the African ecosystem. They are bustling oases where elephants, lions, leopards and hundreds of other species meet and compete for water.
But little is known about how they support so much life. The special takes place across three dramatic periods—the middle of the dry season, the hottest time of year, and the height of the first rainstorms—gaining unique insights into the lives of some of Africa’s most iconic animals.
Airs Wednesdays beginning May 19 at 8 p.m.
Don’t Miss TULSA: The Fire and the Forgotten
On May 31 and June 1, 1921, a white mob attacked Greenwood, Oklahoma, known as Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, killing and wounding hundreds of people while robbing and burning businesses, homes and churches.
TULSA: The Fire and the Forgotten is a two-hour special that gives us access to forensic anthropology investigators, civic and church leaders, and journalists who covered the event. The documentary will provide in-depth reporting from the perspective of DeNeen Brown, a Black Tulsa-born Washington Post reporter, on the almost unbelievable, and suppressed, facts of the Tulsa/Greenwood massacre.
Airs Monday, May 31 at 9 p.m.
WEDU Presents the National Memorial Day Concert
For more than 30 years, this multi-award-winning television event continues to be one of PBS’ highest-rated programs. In 2020, participating talent included General Colin L. Powell, Gary Sinise, Renée Fleming, CeCe Williams, and many others.
Airs Sunday, May 30 at 8 p.m. and repeats at 9:30 p.m.
To learn more and see a lineup of this year’s concert and performers, visit video.wedu.org/show/national-memorial-day-concert.
Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer
This month, WEDU is excited to air Extra Life—a brand-new, four-part series that examines the science and medical innovations that have conquered some of the world’s deadliest diseases and doubled life expectancies for many across the globe.
Set in the context of the current pandemic, the series explores lessons learned from past global pandemics and serious diseases, from smallpox to cholera and the Spanish flu.
Each episode will explore how we think and respond to illnesses of this scale. The series will reveal how scientists, doctors and others have saved millions of lives, and pay tribute to the unsung heroes who are tackling COVID-19 behind the scenes.
Airs Tuesdays beginning May 11 at 8 p.m.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Mango Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients:
(yields 4 servings, makes about 8 tacos)
For the mango salsa:
1 mango, cubed
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
1 handful cilantro, minced
1/4 white onion, diced
Juice from 1 to 2 limes, plus more for serving
Pinch of salt
For the grilled shrimp:
2 teaspoons ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound shrimp (about 24 shrimp), deveined, cleaned and peeled
Vegetable oil or cooking spray
Tortillas for serving
Directions:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. In a medium bowl, mix together the cubed mango, jalapeño, cilantro, white onion, juice from 1 lime and a few pinches of salt; set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ancho chile powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika and salt. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the shrimp, ensuring that both sides are thoroughly coated. Brush the grill or grill pan with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Transfer shrimp to the grill and cook on each side for about 2 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
To serve, divide the shrimp among the tortillas, placing about 2-3 shrimp per tortilla. Top with a few tablespoons of mango salsa and an extra squeeze of lime.
There are many wonderful ways to support WEDU PBS during the year, including making creative noncash gifts:
IRA Charitable Rollover
If you’re over 70½, you can donate up to $100,000 to WEDU directly from your IRA, without treating the distribution as taxable income. To learn more about giving from your IRA, talk to your financial or tax advisor.
Gifts of stocks, bonds and mutual funds
Donating directly to WEDU any stocks or mutual funds that you have held longer than one year and that have appreciated in value is a savvy giving strategy to avoid capital gains taxes. Consult with your financial advisor to help leverage your gift for the best tax savings.
Donate your car, motorcycle, boat, RV—or even a kayak!
We make donating your vehicle as easy as possible with fast pick-up and streamlined paperwork. You benefit by being able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized. Plus, you avoid the costs associated with selling your car.
Learn more about creative giving opportunities:
CALL: (813) 739-2959
EMAIL: [email protected]
VISIT: wedu.org/plannedgiving
