Celebrate Black History Month with Adjust Your Color

THE STORY OF AMERICA’S ORIGINAL SHOCK-JOCK PETEY GREENE AIRS TONIGHT ON INDEPENDENT LENS.

He was a former drug addict and felon. He was also America’s first “shock jock.” Petey Greene gave voice to the unheard––speaking truth to power on his raw and uncensored TV and radio programs. His explosive language and brash style shocked the world as he battled both the system and his own demons on a journey to becoming a leading activist during some of the most tumultuous years in recent history.

Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene airs tonight at 10 PM on Independent Lens (check local listings).  Watch a trailer after the jump.

› Continue reading

Tags: black history, howard stern, Petey Greene, shock jock, Washington DC

Recent Talkback About Independent Lens This Month

Always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial, Independent Lens brings you documentaries, dramas, shorts and Web-exclusive projects made by independent thinkers. Check out some of the recent Talkback from viewers about films airing this month.

ADJUST YOUR COLOR:
The Truth of Petey Greene

“What an excellent documentary. In this age of political correctness, I doubt very much Petey Greene would have a voice on the radio let alone TV. Thank you PBS and Independent Lens. I always look forward to the pieces that are aired.”
Posted by: HJV on February 7, 2009

“I Tivo Independent Lens and watch it when I can. I can’t tell you have much you have ignited my soul with such an awe-inspiring documentary. Petey Greene jumps off the screen and into your heart. Truly Amazing!”
Posted by: Dick Burl on February 6, 2009

“I want to thank PBS for presenting this excellent documentary about Petey Greene. I grew up in a suburb of Detroit during the 60′s and never knew about Petey Greene growing up. I admire his being so outspoken during those turbulent times.”
Posted by: Ellen Tippit on February 5, 2009

View more Talkback and submit your own for ADJUST YOUR COLOR >>

TULIA, TEXAS:

“I was appalled by the story. It is very scary to know this could happen anywhere. I believe the prison system needs an overhaul for anyone charged with a drug charge. At times, in this nation, you do get overzealous law enforcement officials that will do anything to get a promotion or move up within their law enforcement agency.”
Posted by: Carol Stevens on February 11, 2009

“I have never seen anything as sad as what happened and is still happening to the folks in Tulia. I’d like to know how many African Americans work at decent paying jobs there, like bank tellers or in policing or any other jobs that can make a man or woman feel proud of how they’re contributing to their community. I don’t think everyone that lives there is racist but I do think there is a ‘better than’ attitude amongst the people.”
Posted by: Sharon Lamont on February 11, 2009

“I saw this documentary and was shocked, I am grateful to the filmmakers to bring this mess to our attention. It makes you take a look at your own life and think. That could have been me or my son. Kudos to the attorney’s who gave these people back the lives and their families for having the conviction to stand by their loved ones side.”
Posted by: Robin on February 13, 2009

“Racism and segregation are alive and thriving. See Atlanta. See Memphis. What’s interesting is to compare African Americans’ struggle in Tulia post-agrarianism to blacks’ struggle in America post-slavery… Here we are today with a ‘black’ president whose house is within the jurisdiction with the highest child poverty rate and homeless rate in the country. And 2.0 million African Americans live there. Someone somewhere must find that perverse. Hats off to the filmmakers. Keep ‘em coming!”
Posted by: Paul Nizov on February 11, 2009

View more Talkback and submit your own for TULIA, TEXAS >>

Tags: African American, Petey Greene, Texas