South Carolina ETV series “Echoes and Insights” explores Toni Morrison’s iconic interview

The captivating South Carolina ETV (SCETV) series Echoes and Insights revitalizes timeless conversations pulled from SCETV’s media archive. Each episode revisits pivotal moments, featuring voices and perspectives of influential figures from the past.

The first episode, featuring a 1983 interview between SCETV’s Beryl Dakers, original host of Art’s the Thing!, and Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison, airs on May 5 at 5 p.m. on ETV-HD. Set against the backdrop of Morrison’s promotional tour at the University of South Carolina for Tar Baby (1981), just ahead of the monumental release of Beloved (1987), the series uncovers a history of insights and reflections from a diverse array of scholars, community leaders and women professionals such as poet Nikky Finney, storyteller Nancy Tolson, attorney and speaker Shontavia Johnson and many others. These voices come together to illuminate Morrison’s enduring influence on their work, her unique perspective on South Carolina and the lasting legacy of Beryl Dakers’ contributions to public media in the Palmetto State.

From thought-provoking conversations with renowned artists and intellectuals to groundbreaking speeches by world leaders, Echoes and Insights brings forth the wisdom, struggles and triumphs of those who have shaped our world. Through curated archival footage and interviews, the series offers fresh perspectives on timeless issues and sheds light on the interconnectedness of past and present.

Echoes and Insights premieres on ETV-HD on May 5 at 5 p.m. and re-airs on May 9 at 9 p.m.

“This captivating program not only sheds light on a remarkable moment from the early 1980s but also celebrates the profound impact of Toni Morrison’s visit to our state. Through illuminating interviews and reflections, the program highlights Morrison’s enduring influence on literature, culture and the lives of South Carolinians. We are proud to share this important piece of cultural history with our audience, as we continue to uphold our commitment to fostering dialogue, understanding and appreciation for the arts.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“This series was developed with a goal of sparking curiosity about archives and making them conversant. I’m delighted to begin the series with the 1983 interview between Beryl Dakers and Toni Morrison, a consequential writer whose texts transcend time and connect past and present in a profound exploration of the human condition. It is my hope that this episode and others to come encourage students and lifelong learners to take a second look and return to engage the artifacts we’ve preserved.” –SCETV Chief Learning Officer Salandra Bowman

“I am honored to see our conversation revisited in Echoes and Insights. This episode not only resurrects a pivotal moment in literary history but also celebrates the enduring relevance of Morrison’s insights and contributions. I am grateful to SCETV for recognizing the significance of this interview and for providing a platform to explore its impact on South Carolina’s cultural landscape. May this program continue to inspire dialogue, reflection and a deeper understanding of the intersection between literature, identity and community.” –SCETV Producer Beryl Dakers

Fast Facts

• The SCETV series Echoes and Insights offers an exploration into a gem from the early 1980s.
• The series delves into the enlightening interview between the iconic author Toni Morrison and SCETV’s own Beryl Dakers.
• The series uncovers insights and reflections from a diverse array of scholars, community leaders and women professionals such as poet Nikky Finney, storyteller Nancy Tolson, attorney and speaker Shontavia Johnson and many others.
• Echoes and Insights premieres on ETV-HD on May 5 at 5 p.m. and re-airs on May 9 at 9 p.m.

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice, Downing of a Flag and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.