Project Summation

A divide exists in our culture that too often prevents us from truly seeing one another. For some, this means carrying the weight of not being fully included or recognized, while for others, their own lived experiences may leave them unaware of the realities faced by those around them. The good news is that once we open ourselves to new perspectives, meaningful steps can be taken from a place of empathy, love, and humanity to bridge the division. These steps may be small at first, but will plant seeds of continued growth and eventually change our culture from one that is divided into one that experiences unity and a better life for everyone.

“The Difference You Can Make” is about taking people on this journey. A journey toward greater thoughtfulness and awareness.

On this journey we will explore…

What it’s like to walk in someone else’s footsteps and empathize with them.
What it means to be willing to change our paradigms when confronted with new perspectives.
How even our best intentions can result in unintended consequences.
How individual acts of kindness are important, but lasting impact will require systemic change.
A path towards inspiring individuals and organizations to use their influence, power, and resources in a way that benefits everyone.

“The Difference You Can Make” is not about identifying “villains” or scrutinizing the actions of specific groups. Instead, the focus is on showcasing how each of us can contribute to positive change, and the excitement that comes from doing so.

Harnessing the power of storytelling in a docuseries format, Studio 180 in cooperation with Story Front Pictures, is embarking on a bold initiative to begin the long but vital process of transforming our culture by awakening the power already within each of us – uniting the hearts and souls of those driven by a shared desire for meaningful change.

Why a Series?

The journey that we are inviting you on is quite frankly… long. To overcome mindsets that have been in place for centuries is no small task and we do not take it lightly. Our approach begins with the slow process of raising our awareness through the telling of stories. Revealing where we come from and where we can go together.

Desired Outcomes

To truly create the change we seek, we must engage both those with little exposure to Black culture and experiences, as well as those with extensive or direct exposure. This journey will guide some from a place of unawareness to acknowledgment and action, while helping others shift from feelings of hopelessness and frustration to a renewed sense of hope and resilience.

The Paris 3

In the first episode of the series, our host, Karrié Claybrook, introduces her grandmother, Ms. Weida (Granny), along with two extraordinary women, Mrs. Augustine and Mrs. Margaret. Together, they recount a life changing experience from 1961 in Paris, Kentucky, when they were just 14 years old. After a basketball game, the girls made a bold decision: to sit down and ask to be served at the Greyhound bus station diner, despite the “whites only” signs. This courageous act led to their arrest, trial, and sentencing to reform school until they turned 18.

The community, unable to intervene, watched helplessly as these young girls were held in an adult jail for 36 hours. Using their influence and relationships, the mothers of the three girls urged their employers to appeal to the judge, ultimately leading to the charges being dropped. While this injustice was devastating, it galvanized the Black community in Paris, sparking a year-long boycott of downtown businesses that financially impacted many of the local shops.

When the girls were asked what could be done to end the boycott, their response was simple: “We’d like Black people hired in your shops—not just in the back, but in the front.” As a result, Paris, Kentucky, saw its first Black cashier hired, a moment that marked the beginning of the removal of segregation signs throughout the town, including the local movie theater.

Since the release of The Paris 3, we’ve held screenings across the country, each unveiling something unique and powerful. This untold story is just one of thousands that often go unheard, and in bringing it to light, we provide a space for people to begin meaningful conversations and truly start the healing process—not just for the events of 1961 in Paris, Kentucky, but for similar stories in towns all over the country.

This episode concludes with an invitation from Karrié to continue on this journey of discovery, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own roles in creating change. Ultimately, we ask the audience to ponder one key question: How might you become the “Granny” in your own story?

Outcome

This episode lays the foundation for the series, humanizing the experiences of the three young girls from 1961 and revealing how a small act of courage can spark lasting change. It fosters a connection with the audience, leaving them eager for more and invites them to embark on a deeper journey with us.

Each Episode going forward will have common threads.

Further unpack themes touched on in The Paris 3 from those who lived it.
Highlight representative stories from others that illustrate the connection between then and now, and reveal the ripple effects from Granny in 1961 to Karrié today.
Hear the testimony of those who have embarked on their own journeys of discovery, challenging their paradigms and creating a space for the audience to navigate their own paths.

EPISODE 2

The Places I can’t go

CENTRAL QUESTION: How are things the same or different today as they were in 1961?

EPISODE 3

Unintended Consequences

CENTRAL QUESTION: Is having good intentions enough?

EPISODE 4

In the Face of Helplessness

CENTRAL QUESTION: What is the weight of feeling unseen and unheard?

EPISODE 5

Threads of Connection

CENTRAL QUESTION: How important is it to build relationships with others, especially those that are different from you?

EPISODE 6

The Role We All Play

CENTRAL QUESTION: How might you bring your unique strengths to improve opportunities for everyone?

EPISODE 7

Ripple Effects

CENTRAL QUESTION: How do we heal from generational trauma with our actions today?

EPISODE 8

Awakening the Power Within

CENTRAL QUESTION: Will you find the courage to stand in your truth when the moment arrives?

EPISODE 9

The Difference You Can Make

CENTRAL QUESTION: How will you become the “Granny” in your own story?

The private screenings of “The Paris 3” have deeply moved audiences young and old. Hosted by Karrié Claybrook with questions and answers from the ladies that lived the story, this personalized experience is simply unforgettable, full of rich context that can only be realized in this unique way.

If you’re interested in viewing the film please contact us to participate in one of eight planned events in 2025.