The prize was eyed

LIKE MANY Americans, I could not help but be moved by the election of Barack Obama. In the late 1980s, I worked for the Boston film company Blackside Inc. as a producer on the highly acclaimed PBS documentary series "Eyes on the Prize." As a result of that experience, I was able to appreciate the historic implications of Tuesday's outcome.

My only regret is that Henry Hampton, president of Blackside and executive producer for the series, didn't live to see Obama win because I believe those shows helped prepare America for this wonderful event. Over the years, the series has been shown in high schools and universities because of its lessons in using direct confrontation to effect change. My granddaughter recently sent me an e-mail saying she had seen one of my shows in class at Penn State. How many students have watched those programs and been inspired by them? Young voters played a key role in Obama's victory, and I believe it is Hampton's legacy that our series shaped their attitudes and inspired them to be politically active.

JAMES DEVINNEY
Fort Wayne, Ind.