Photograph of Soldiers Marching With African American Sharecroppers

Elaine, Arkansas Race Riot Documentary Produced by Robert Franklin

In 1999, Robert Franklin, Station Manager of KASU-FM, attended a conference about a racial conflict that erupted in Phillips County, Arkansas, on September 30, 1919. "The Elaine, Arkansas Race Riot of 1919 was one of the 25 racial conflicts that took place in various parts of the U.S. that year," observes Franklin, "yet as far as I know there has never been a public radio documentary produced on the incident. I decided to produce a one-hour radio program on the topic. I was drawn to this story because the issue is still so raw here- still unresolved after more than 80 years. The opinions I heard about the incident were totally opposite depending on whether the person I was talking to was Black or White."

A 2001 grant from the Robeson Fund provided the first financial support for the radio documentary, aired in February 2003. "The grant Not only helped to pay for producing the program says Franklin, but provided legitimacy to the production as well. Equally significant is the fact that the Robeson Fund encouraged independence where the producer maintains control of the production. This creative freedom is especially important in a a production like this one."

Mr. Franklin's determination to bring the story of the Elaine, Arkansas race riots to light come from many sources. "At the heart of this project is an old wound that has not healed," he said "not enough people in the community have come forward to say, 'Something bad happened here. We're sorry for what our ancestors and relatives did, and we're not going to let this issue tear our community apart.' In the town of Elaine, you can still feel the tension when you visit this town. Old wounds fester because reconciliation has not begun. Someone has to be willing to make the first move. If two people begin talking as a result of hearing this documentary, I'll consider it a success."

The Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media, named for singer, actor and civil rights activist Paul Robeson, supports all stages of radio production. All genres are considered, so long as the program reaches a broad audience and combined intellectual clarity with creative use of the medium in promoting social justice.