Silence in Sikeston: A Local, USA Special
is now streaming online, on YouTube and the PBS app.
The story of how the 1942 lynching of Cleo Wright - and the subsequent failure of the first federal attempt to prosecute a lynching - continues to haunt the small city of Sikeston, Missouri. Then, in 2020, the community is faced with the police killing of a young Black father. Silence in Sikeston explores the necessary questions about history, trauma, silence and resilience over 78 years.
The companion podcast is about finding the words to say the things that go unsaid. This is an invitation. Perhaps this journalism, these stories, will spark a conversation that you’ve been meaning to have. Hosted by Cara Anthony, a KFF Health News Midwest correspondent and an Edward R. Murrow and National Association of Black Journalists award-winning reporter from East St. Louis, Illinois.
Co-presented by WORLD, Retro Report and KFF Health News.
Watch the Documentary
Silence in Sikeston is now streaming online at worldchannel.org, on YouTube and on the PBS app.
Listen to the Podcast
Silence in Sikeston: The Podcast, hosted by KFF Health News correspondent Cara Anthony, goes deeper into the story of Sikeston to share how racism, silence and trauma affect public health. Episodes 1 and 2, plus a bonus Meet the Makers episode, are now available – Episodes 3 and 4 coming soon. Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
Meet the Makers
Meet Cara Anthony, Midwest correspondent for KFF Health News and host of the Silence in Sikeston podcast. Hear her story and learn more about why she wanted to share the history of Sikeston, MO through film, audio and text.
Go Beyond the Lens
As a cross-platform project, Silence in Sikeston explores U.S. history, race relations, police brutality, mental health and the relationship between trauma and healing. In this featurette, watch how all the pieces come together to share a story of one community's resilience, and how Sikeston can be a lesson and example for cities and towns across America.
Share with Family and Friends
Show friends and family where to stream the film and spread the word on your social media using the downloadable assets below and the hashtag #SilenceInSikeston. And share your thoughts and feedback with us here!
Host Your Own Screening
Interested in hosting a screening for your organization? Complete our screening form and we will follow up with you shortly!
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