News Release
April 15, 2014
Margaret McPhillips
601-432-6298
margaret.mcphilips@mpbonline.org
MS Leaders, Students, Artists Lend Voices to Gettysburg Address Project
Video released in conjunction with newest Ken Burns documentary "The Address"
JACKSON, MS– Mississippi leaders, students and artists have joined in a civic education project commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) announced today. In honor of President Abraham Lincoln’s renowned address, MPB has gathered recordings of Mississippians delivering the speech and archived them at www.mpbonline.org/theaddress.
The project is inspired by the newest film by acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns, “The Address”. The documentary airs April 15 at 8 p.m. and tells the story of a group of learning-disabled students at the Greenwood School in Putney Vermont who are encouraged each year to memorize, practice and publicly recite the Gettysburg Address. In its exploration of the Greenwood School, the film also unlocks the history, context and importance of the speech.
Burns and his team have challenged every American to recite the Gettysburg Address and have gathered recordings newsmakers, politicians, and celebrities delivering the address. The recordings are housed online at www.learntheaddress.org.
With the Ken Burns project as inspiration, MPB has recorded Mississippians from around the state delivering the speech. MPB’s version of the project features Mississippi officials, students, military and business leaders. Participants include Governor Phil Bryant; Sen. Thad Cochran; Sen. Roger Wicker; Cong. Alan Nunnelee; Cong. Gregg Harper; former Governors Winter, Musgrove and Barbour; State Senator David Jordan; musicians Dorothy Moore and Steve Azar; artist Bill Dunlap and many others.
“We want to use our resources at MPB to help preserve our American heritage and ensure that future generations understand the foundations of our nation,” said MPB Executive Director Ronnie Agnew. “That is why we were committed to extending the Learn the Address project to the Mississippi level. I hope Mississippians will see what we’ve done and be inspired to learn about and memorize this important speech.”
To add your voice to the Mississippians who have delivered the speech, visit www.mpbonline.org/theaddress. There you can sign a pledge or upload your own video.
“The Address” will re-air on Sunday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m.
Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides instructional and public affairs programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network. MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages by providing informative programming and educational resources. MPB’s locally-produced programming focuses on the people, resources and attractions that reflect Mississippi’s unique culture and diverse heritage. Children’s television programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules. MPB provides a valuable resource to Mississippians in disseminating information as part of the state’s emergency preparedness and response system. Since 1970, MPB has won over 400 national, regional and statewide awards, including Emmy®, Edward R. Murrow and Parents’ Choice® Awards. For more information on MPB, its programs, mission or educational resources, please visit www.mpbonline.org.
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