Eyes on the Prize

About Eyes on the Prize

"Eyes on the Prize" is an American television series that was originally aired on PBS in 1987. It is a comprehensive and compelling documentary showcasing the civil rights movement in the United States from 1954 to 1965. The show famously presents the historical events in context with the personal stories of the era's key activists.

Making / Production

The "Eyes on the Prize" series utilized newsreel footage, photographs, and interviews to chronicle the struggle for racial equality. It was produced by Blackside Inc, a Boston-based company. The series stands out for its in-depth research and impactful storytelling. The executive producer was Henry Hampton, with Julian Bond serving as the narrator throughout the series.

Actors

• Julian Bond: Bond, a prominent civil rights movement activist and leader, narrated the series featuring personal stories from the era's key activists. His narration deeply contributed to the show's effect, providing historical context for the featured events.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series title, "Eyes on the Prize", is derived from a folk song of the same name which was used as an anthem during the Civil Rights Movement.
• "Eyes on the Prize" comprised of 14 one-hour episodes, which were broadcast over two seasons.
• The production faced a delay due to difficulty in securing rights for archival footage and because of funding issues.

Awards

The series won numerous awards and accolades including the George Foster Peabody Award, and it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Quotes

• "When we started we had no thought that we were going to make history. We were simply going to work on behalf of a cause." - Julian Bond

Music, Soundtrack

• The series prominently featured the folk song "Eyes on the Prize" which became synonymous with the Civil Rights Movement.
• Folk and gospel genres were striking elements of the soundtrack, reflecting the period and the struggle of the people depicted.