"The Handle: Living While Black" highlights the Black experience in the Texas Panhandle

Driving ​while Black​. Learning ​while Black.​ Shopping ​while Black​. Riding an elevator ​while Black​.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said Black people experience a different America than white people, and the stories Panhandle PBS is gathering make King’s point strikingly clear.

In this 2020 season of protests and unrest across the United States, PPBS has asked Black Amariloans to describe what #LivingWhileBlack means in the United States and what all of us – of every race – can do to move conversations forward to create change.

Led by Content Manager Hilary Hulsey, the PPBS content team is compiling numerous hours – more than 20 so far – of extensive interviews with local residents, Black and biracial people of different ages and background. The wide-ranging conversations with journalist and Senior Producer Karen Welch are bringing out intense emotions as contributors share very personal stories. One theme has remained universal: We have to learn to listen to one another. This series intends to bring the voices of our Black neighbors to the forefront, to be heard on air in Panhandle PBS’ local newsmagazine, “The Handle,” online and on a broad array of social media platforms.

“Living While Black” will examine topics such as the Black experience in Amarillo, the vocabulary of racism, local history and demographics, segregation, desegregation and the renaming of schools, and how to move from protest to action.

Short segments of “The Handle: Living While Black” will be released through the fall and winter on the Panhandle PBS website, YouTube channel and other social media platforms with the full season premiering March 11 at 7:30 p.m. "The Handle: Living While Black" is presented by Bank of America. Education support is provided by the Equity Fund, an Amarillo Area Foundation Community Collaboration

The Handle: Living While Black Online Screening

Thursday, May 13 at 6 p.m.

Panhandle PBS is hosting an online viewing and panel discussion event on its "Living While Black" content series at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 13 at 6 p.m.

Content discussed will be moving toward racial equity, with Black residents from Amarillo sharing their thoughts in how we can't "stay in the same comfortable setting and make change." Moderator Karen Welch of Panhandle PBS will lead discussion with interviewees Patrick Miller and Melodie Graves alongside video content from the "Living While Black" series.

RSVP and join the free screening HERE! 

The Handle: Living While Black Online Screening

Thursday, April 22 at 6 p.m.

Panhandle PBS is hosting an online screening and panel discussion on the "Living While Black" content series on Thursday, April 22 at 6 p.m.

Content discussed will be civil rights movements – then and now – and systemic racism. Moderator Karen Welch of Panhandle PBS will lead discussion with interviewees David Lovejoy and Ebani Broadus alongside video content from the "Living While Black" series.

RSVP and join the free screening HERE! 

The Handle: Living While Black Online Screening

Tuesday, March 16 at 6 p.m.

Did you miss the premiere of Panhandle PBS's new "The Handle" series - Living While Black? Do you want to watch, or watch again, and interact with others from the safety and comfort of your own home?
Join Panhandle PBS online Tuesday, March 16 at 6pm to watch Episode 1 of Living While Black - What is Racism?
See George Floyd's killing through the eyes of Black residents in Amarillo and hear their experiences with racism.

Following the screening on OVEE (Online Viewing and Engagement Experience), we will join a panel discussion via Zoom with moderator Karen Welch and panelists who appear in the series - RJ Soleyjacks and Idella Jackson. RSVP and join the free screening here: https://ovee.itvs.org/screenings/6h82t

The Handle: Living While Black is presented by Bank of America. Education support is provided by the Equity Fund, an Amarillo Area Foundation Community Collaboration.

Education support provided by