Whatever your aspirations are for 2018, we have plenty to inspire you this month including shows from American Masters’ “Inspiring Woman,” a year-long online campaign highlighting women who have played a significant role in their community.
One inspiring woman you’ll learn about is playwright and activist Lorraine Hansberry, whose play, A Raisin in the Sun, highlights the lives of Black Americans living under racial segregation in Chicago. In a riveting documentary, Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart (Friday, January 19, 9 p.m.), award-winning filmmaker Tracy Heather Strain examines Hansberry’s life and work using a remarkable collection of archival footage and rare photos.
We will offer a free screening of the documentary at First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk on Saturday, January 13, at 2:30 p.m. This exciting event will include a performance by the Not Just for February Players as well as light refreshments and free childcare. Learn more at whro.org/events
Other inspiring women we’ll feature this month include the return of Victoria (Sunday, January 14, 9 p.m.), the popular Masterpiece drama about the epic life of Queen Victoria, and a series from journalist Ann Curry featuring dramatic reunions between people separated by real-life events. Each episode of We’ll Meet Again (Tuesday, January 23, 8 p.m.) reveals the powerful bonds forged among people who now, against the odds, have the opportunity to reunite with those who transformed their lives.
If you have not attended our popular Writer’s Block events that bring together storytellers for live performances of poetry and spoken word, we have a treat for you. We are launching the recorded performances as a podcast in late January! Hear a selection of the speakers from the live events in a one-hour special on WHRV 89.5 FM, and then visit whro.org/writersblock where you can find all of the performances. January also brings the start of our annual Out of the Box Concert Series at the Sandler Center. Join WHRV announcer Paul Shugrue each week to hear a local band. Learn more at whro.org/events
Lastly, I’d like to thank each of you for your support throughout 2017. As excited as I am about our upcoming programs and events, I know none of it would be possible without your generosity. With your partnership, I am looking forward to 2018 being an amazing year for our WHRO family and our community. Thank you, and Happy New Year!