Vol. 17, No. 35June 25, 1998

Prof helps award-winning series

Freedom's Edge: A History of African Americans in Delaware, produced by Audrey Foltz and Cindy Balan of WHYY-TV 12 and funded by the Delaware Humanities Forum, received an Award for the Advancement of Learning through Broadcasting from the National Education Association (NEA).

Bill Williams, parallel program, played an important role in the film's production. He suggested to WHYY that it produce a program on slavery and freedom prior to 1865, and when the project received approval, he was hired as a consultant. His book, Slavery and Freedom in Delaware, was a primary source of information.

In addition to advising the producers, Williams was interviewed on the program and took part in a panel discussion. Other UD participants included Carol Hoffecker, Richards Professor of History, and Carole Marks and James Newton, both Black American Studies Program.

The film has been distributed to middle schools and high schools throughout the state, and Williams is currently writing a study guide.