South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) announces the premiere of Corine and Celestine: Coming of Age in Civil Rights Era South Carolina, a one-hour documentary examining the civil rights era through the lived experiences of two Black women. The program premieres March 26 at 8 p.m. on ETV.
Corine and Celestine explores how Celestine Parson Lloyd and Corine Johnson experienced the civil rights movement not as distant events, but as daily realities shaped by family, labor, dignity and survival in rural communities. Through their stories, the documentary highlights how the movement was sustained not only in courtrooms and protests, but in kitchens, classrooms, churches and small businesses across South Carolina.
As a child in Summerton, S.C., Celestine Parson Lloyd participated in the landmark “Doll Study” conducted by psychologists Dr. Kenneth Bancroft Clark and Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, designed to measure the psychological effects of segregation on Black children. Contrary to widely circulated interpretations of the study, Lloyd chose the Black doll, an early assertion of self-worth that challenges prevailing narratives about Black childhood during Jim Crow. The Clarks’ research later became the first psychological study cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and played a role in the decision to end school segregation in the landmark rulings of Brown v. Board of Education and Briggs v. Elliott.
Corine Johnson’s story reflects another dimension of the era. A native of Batesburg, she witnessed racial violence firsthand, including the February 1946 beating of Isaac Woodard, a World War II sergeant returning home after his service. A pioneering Black cosmetologist, Johnson transformed her beauty shop into a center of economic empowerment, community care and educational support, quietly investing in future generations, including students such as Congressman Jim Clyburn.
Through firsthand interviews with both women and the use of archival materials, including historical insight from Dr. Kenneth Clark, the documentary offers a personal perspective on a pivotal period in American history. Their experiences underscore the essential contributions of Black women whose leadership, resilience and vision shaped their communities in lasting ways.
The film also features the expertise of Dr. Bobby Donaldson, a historian of southern history and African American life and culture. Dr. Donaldson holds a Ph.D. in American History from Emory University and has served as a Thurgood Marshall Fellow at Dartmouth College and a Susan Biddle Ford Fellow at Harvard University’s W. E. B. Du Bois Institute. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina and has contributed extensively to public history initiatives, museum exhibitions and documentary projects.
Corine and Celestine was produced through a collaborative effort led by Dr. Bobby Donaldson, with SCETV’s Dr. Salandra Bowman serving as producer and director and SCETV’s Dr. Stephanie Cook as executive producer. The film reflects a shared commitment to preserving and elevating South Carolina’s history through thoughtful storytelling and in-depth research.
In addition to its broadcast, Corine and Celestine: Coming of Age in Civil Rights Era South Carolina will be available for streaming on SCETV.org, the SCETV app, the PBS app, as well as the SCETV YouTube and the SCETV Education YouTube channels.
QUOTES
“Corine Johnson and Celestine Parson Lloyd embody the courage, leadership and resilience that shaped their communities and our state. By sharing their stories, we honor their legacy and ensure that future generations gain a deeper understanding of the civil rights movement.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Corine and Celestine’s stories remind us that history is not only shaped by well-known figures and landmark events, but also by the everyday courage and determination of individuals whose contributions often go unrecognized. This documentary ensures their voices are preserved and shared with audiences across South Carolina and beyond.” –SCETV Assistant General Manager and Deputy Director Dr. Stephanie Cook
“Directing this film was an opportunity to honor two women whose lives reflect strength, purpose and an unwavering commitment to their communities. In bringing their stories to the screen, we sought not only to document history, but to unearth truths, memories and moments that might otherwise remain unseen. It is a profound privilege to help bring these stories to light while these remarkable women are still with us, able to witness their own legacies honored in real time.” –SCETV Chief Learning Officer and Corine and Celestine Producer and Director Dr. Salandra Bowman
“This project reflects extensive research and a deep commitment to telling stories that expand our understanding of the Civil Rights Movement. Drawing upon a rich archive of photographs, records and lived testimony, we illuminate voices too often left at the margins of history. Corine Johnson and Celestine Parson Lloyd help us see this history more fully—one that recognizes the intellectual, cultural and social contributions of African American women. In their later years, both remain committed to sharing their stories and imparting their wisdom. Indeed, as this documentary shows, we have much to learn from their journeys.” –Executive Director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina and Corine and Celestine Producer Dr. Bobby Donaldson
FAST FACTS
- Corine and Celestine: Coming of Age in Civil Rights Era South Carolina premieres March 26 at 8 p.m. on ETV.
- The one-hour documentary highlights the lived experiences of Celestine Parson Lloyd and Corine Johnson during the civil rights era.
- The documentary offers insight through firsthand interviews with both women, the use of archival materials including historical insight from Dr. Kenneth Clark, and the expertise of Dr. Bobby Donaldson.
- Available for streaming on SCETV.org, the SCETV app, the PBS app, as well as the SCETV YouTube and the SCETV Education YouTube channels.
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 The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
