Professor's Film on Race Relations Wins Peabody Award
For release: April 9, 2004
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey

Hoxie: The First Stand, a film produced by University of Memphis communication professor David Appleby, has won a prestigious Peabody Award.

The Peabody Awards are the oldest honor in electronic media and are widely considered the industry's most coveted prize. The award recognizes distinguished achievement and meritorious public service by television stations, networks, producing organizations and individuals. They will be presented May 17 in New York City.

Hoxie examines the aftermath of a 1955 decision by the school board of a small Arkansas town to integrate its schools voluntarily, setting off a confrontation with a growing movement to resist the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown vs. Board of Education decision. Despite threats from outside agitators and local opposition, Hoxie school board members refused to rescind their decision. Instead, they sought the help of a lawyer whose legal strategy ultimately drew a reluctant federal Justice Department into the battle and led to the nullification of state segregation laws.

The film also has won a Mid-South Regional Emmy Award for non-news writing and a CINE Golden Eagle Award.

"We've been making documentary films here for more than 25 years, and we've picked up some significant awards and nominations along the way," Appleby said. "But I'm particularly pleased - actually, thrilled - about getting a Peabody. When you're working outside of the industry, as we are, it's even more meaningful to have something you've put so much of your life into recognized as being among the best."

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