FEBRUARY 2026
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT A BINDING TRUTH In 1965, Jimmie transferred his senior year from an all-Black high school to an affluent white high school in Charlotte — he was their first Black football star. That decision swept him into one of North Carolina's most volatile civil rights cases, played out at the explosive intersection of football and race. De, a white student, watched that case unfold and wrote about it in his college essay application. He said it got him into Harvard. “Put aside your guilt, and I’ll put aside my anger, and we have a chance to learn from each other.” - Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Decades later, a shocking discovery found in church records reconnects them, changing their lives forever. What unfolds is a deeply personal yet profoundly American story — one that reveals the legacy of slavery, the complexities of race and privilege, and, ultimately, the power of truth in their journey toward healing. Louise Woehrle is a Twin Cities–based documentary filmmaker whose films have aired on Twin Cities PBS, most recently in 2020 with “Stalag Luft III: One Man’s Story.” Her latest film, “A Binding Truth,” has earned significant recognition, winning festival awards across the country and abroad. Locally, "A Binding Truth" was honored, winning the Best Documentary at the Twin Cities Black Film Festival and Best Documentary Audience Award at the Twin Cities Film Festival.
February marks a quiet yet meaningful shift — a gentle reminder that spring is on the horizon, even as snow and chill linger here in Minnesota. With each day stretching a little longer and light returning to our skies, we’re thrilled to bring you a month of inspiring, thought-provoking programming that honors history, celebrates creativity, and invites us to explore the world together. This Black History Month, we’re honored to present programming that celebrates the profound contributions of Black artists, scholars, and communities. Beginning February 3, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. returns with a compelling new four-part docuseries, “Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History.” Through meticulous research and powerful storytelling, Gates explores the intertwined narratives of Black and Jewish Americans – communities united by shared struggles for justice, resilience, and cooperation throughout U.S. history. Airing over four consecutive Tuesdays, this series offers rich historical context and fresh perspectives on identity, solidarity, and the enduring quest for unity. Later this month, on February 20, “American Masters” presents “Sun Ra: Do the Impossible,” a vibrant documentary exploring the life and legacy of visionary jazz composer and bandleader Sun Ra. Known for his cosmic imagination and groundbreaking sound, Sun Ra redefined the boundaries of music and art, leaving an enduring influence on jazz and Afrofuturist culture. This film offers more than a celebration of his music — it invites us into the philosophical depth and creative vision that shaped his extraordinary world. February also brings fresh episodes of “NOVA,” perfect for exploring science from the comfort of your living room. On February 4, “Can Dogs Talk?” investigates fascinating research into canine communication. “NOVA” tackles “Rain Bombs,” a look at the science behind extreme weather events on February 18. As the month winds down, "NOVA" unravels ancient secrets of early human architecture with "Stone Age Temple Mystery" on February 25. Thank you for being part of our community and supporting Twin Cities PBS as we deliver these stories — historic, cultural, and scientific — to your home or wherever and on whatever device you may find yourself. We hope this February’s lineup enriches your curiosity and sparks meaningful conversations.
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A NOTE FROM SYLVIA
Twin Cities PBS President and CEO: Sylvia Strobel
Volume 54 Number 2 TPT magazine (ISSN 1059- 9657) is published twelve times a year, in: Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct., Nov., and Dec. by Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 172 East Fourth Street, St. Paul, MN 55101, a nonprofit corpora - tion. Copyright © 2026. List Exchanges: To assist in building membership, Twin Cities Public Television on occasion may exchange names and addresses of its members with other organizations that may solicit or make contact with you by mail. If you do not want your information shared, please notify the membership department at 651-229-1300 or 866-229-1300. All rights reserved. TPT magazine is sent to those who contribute annually to TPT (a minimum donation of $25 is required). Basic memberships are $60. Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, Minnesota, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send change-of-address information to: Membership Department, Twin Cities PBS, 172 E. Fourth Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Board of Trustees: Rotolu "Ro" Adebiyi, Teddy Bekele, Colleen Brown, Barbara Burwell, Jeff Dehn, Scott Dillon, Travis Engelhaupt, Joe Fleming, Peter Hatinen (Vice Chair), Kristy Howe, Hoyt Hsiao, Amy Jensen, Mumtaz Kazim, Thea Keamy, Orson Ledezma Castro, Martha "Muffy" MacMillan (Chair), Maria McKean, Somia Mourad, Margaret Murphy, Courtney Nelson Wills, Jesse Overton, Robert Rinek, Mark Ritchie, Eric Rucker, Robert Sit, Dan Stoltz, Sandra Vargas, R. Kirk Weidner
Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History
TPT 2 Monday, February 16, 10 pm TPT LIFE Thursday, February 19, 8 pm
Sun Ra: Do the Impossible
Warmly,
NOVA: Can Dogs Talk?
Sylvia Strobel President & CEO, Twin Cities PBS
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FEBRUARY 2026
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