Eyes on the Prize first premiered in 1987, as a documentary series on the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. It chronicled the period from 1954 to 1965. Part two of the PBS series began airing in 1990, continuing the story by recounting events that took place from 1964 to 1983.

In February of 2025, part three began airing on HBO, and featured the work of several Vineyarders, including filmmaker Dawn Porter, composer John Forté and Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School student Fiona Brown. It covers the period from 1977 to 2015.

Ms. Porter, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and seasonal resident of the Vineyard, executive produced the recent series. Ms. Porter said she wanted to focus on the actions of everyday people doing crucial work in their communities.  

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Ms. Brown, who is only 14 years old and has dreams of becoming a professional singer, then traveled to New Orleans to record the final track of the theme song for the series in a church with a children’s choir.  

“Being surrounded by all these people who feel as passionately about music and soul, it was very empowering, and the whole process was so fun,” she said.  

Being a part of the historic series is something she doesn’t take lightly.

“As a young Black individual, I think it’s just so important,” Ms. Brown said. “I feel honored to know that I’m part of a project that can teach young voices like me, and that’s educational and powerful.”

One of the highlights of the process for Ms. Porter was including Ms. Brown, noting that the last episode of the series focuses on the next generation.  

“Introducing Fiona to [Eyes On The Prize] and saying that she is part of this story . . . it was really one of the more special moments in my career,” she said.

Read more on the Vineyard Gazette…