Groundwork, a nationally broadcast documentary radio and multimedia project, is examining the current state of American democracy—how people solve problems, make decisions, get things done—in six diverse places across the United States.

May

07

On the Radio: Black Christians Struggle Over N.C. Gay Marriage Ban

By John Biewen

North Carolina’s African-American voters could be crucial in Tuesday’s vote over the proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions. Blacks make up a little more than 20 percent of the state’s population, and some polls show they strongly favor a ban.

While activists on both sides make phone calls and put up yard signs, many African-Americans are struggling with the issue inside their churches and homes.

Click here to read more, and listen to the audio story:

http://www.npr.org/2012/05/06/152122167/black-christians-struggle-over-n-c-gay-marriage-ban


Winslow Sherrill has two daughters who are lesbian. While he loves them and gets along with their partners, he’s going to vote in favor of banning gay marriage in North Carolina. Photo by John Biewen

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Apr

24

From the Classroom: Love = Love

By Mimi Schiffman, UNC-Chapel Hill graduate student

Twelve-year-old Isak Atkins-Pearcy loves Legos, doughnuts, and fighting for what he believes in.

“I think in a world where everything is right, you could love anyone you wanted to,” he said.

He’s been fighting alongside his parents and with his junior high school’s gay-straight alliance to defeat North Carolina’s proposed constitutional amendment, Amendment One, which will be decided in the May 8 primary. Amendment One would place in the state constitution the following language: “Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.”

Meet Isak, and hear a fresh perspective on relationships from a young man full of conviction and love for his family.

Click the image below to play the video:

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Apr

16

From the Ground: A Fishing Town, In Pictures

By John Biewen

Spring is here and the Groundwork team is busy pulling together the stories we’ve been working on since last fall. We’ve made multiple trips to most of the towns and cities where our stories are playing out; we’ve shared tastes of some of those visits in blog posts, below. We’ve met our key characters and, in many cases, have followed them through a variety of scenes. The results are coming soon on a radio near you…and right here.

In working on these stories and listening as they come together, what stands out for me is the level of engagement by the people we’re following, and their faith that they can make a difference. Of course, we’re not talking about a random sample of Americans; they’re in these stories because they’re involved. But it’s a reminder for me that people generally are willing to get off their couches and take action when they believe they can have an impact. Too often, especially in our politics at the national level, we’re given little indication that we can change anything, and we’re rarely even asked for our time and energy, just our votes and campaign contributions. These are stories about people who’ve placed a bet that, at least in the places where they live, they can join with neighbors and move the ball down the field.

Click the image below to view the slideshow:

 

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Apr

03

Out of the Classroom: Caroline, NY Public Hearing

Video by Matt Foster, Ithaca College student

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Mar

27

Out of the Classroom: LGBT Students on NC Marriage Act

This piece was created by Eddie Wu in the Fall 2011 course, Introduction to Audio Documentary at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.

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