Angela Sadler Williamson brings PBS series back to Detroit

Emmy-nominated filmmaker Angela Sadler Williamson is returning to Detroit the week of June 15 to produce new episodes of her KLCS PBS series, spotlighting local stories of resilience and leadership. The visit reconnects Williamson with the city where she made her Rosa Parks documentary in 2015 and expands the reach of her award-winning public television work.

Why it matters: - Williamson’s return links Detroit storytelling with a nationally distributed PBS platform. - The new episodes of “Everybody with Angela Williamson” are designed to showcase local voices and community leadership. - The production also reconnects Williamson with a city that helped shape her work on Rosa Parks and Black history.

What happened: - Angela Sadler Williamson, Ph.D., is returning to Detroit during the week of June 15 to produce new episodes of her award-winning KLCS PBS series, “Everybody with Angela Williamson.” - The series will focus on local stories of inspiration, resilience and community leadership. - Williamson previously spent an intensive week in Detroit in October 2015 producing and directing her first documentary, “My Life with Rosie,” about her cousin, civil rights icon Rosa Parks. - That documentary included oral histories from five generations of the Rosa Parks family inside the historic bus at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

The details: - Williamson described the Detroit return as a meaningful homecoming and said the original documentary was deeply personal because she wanted her son to know his family history. - Williamson married Parks’ first cousin in 1998, and stories from that family connection inspired her creative path. - Her book, “My Life with Rosie: A Bond Between Cousins,” became an international bestseller and was named Best Children’s Book on Black History by Mothering magazine. - The book presents a personal view of Rosa Parks through the Williamson family and encourages young people to become change agents in their communities. - Williamson selected to host “Everybody with Angela Williamson” in 2020 on KLCS PBS in Los Angeles. - The public affairs series highlights everyday people doing extraordinary things to strengthen their communities. - “Everybody with Angela Williamson” airs Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. PDT on KLCS PBS in Los Angeles. - Episodes are also available nationwide through the PBS App. - Viewers can watch the latest promotional trailer on YouTube. - Updates are available on Facebook and Instagram at @everybodyklcs. - Williamson’s website is www.drangelasadlerwilliamson.com.

Between the lines: - Detroit and Los Angeles are being framed as sister cities with strong histories of creativity, activism, perseverance and service. - Williamson’s move from documentary filmmaking to books and public affairs TV shows a broadening media platform centered on family history and civic uplift. - The project continues to pair personal narrative with public service storytelling, which may help the Detroit episodes connect with both local and national audiences.

What’s next: - Williamson plans to capture Detroit stories for upcoming seasons of “Everybody with Angela Williamson.” - PBS viewers outside Los Angeles can continue following the series through the PBS App while new Detroit-focused episodes are developed. - The show’s trailer and social channels will likely serve as the main promotion ahead of the new episodes.