Introduction: I Keep (02:53)

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As part of a PBS storytelling project, people throughout the country film themselves talking about the traditions they carry on.

Gullah Geechee Lands (04:04)

Dwight S. struggles to pay the property tax on his family's ancestral land in a Gullah community in South Carolina. Many Black families have similar lands, which have been in their families since Reconstruction.

Native American Mascots (04:44)

Yolonda B. is an indigenous rights activist pushing for schools in Texas to change their mascots. She discusses becoming involved with the cause when Keller High School students reached out because they were not finding success.

Blue Moon Tavern (04:42)

Emma H. owns the 86-year-old dive bar in Seattle. The bar has always provided an open and accepting community. Emma struggles to keep the business going during the COVID lockdown.

Family (02:56)

Many Americans carry on family traditions. It helps them relate to their culture and relatives who have passed away.

Gullah Geechee Traditions (03:03)

Dwight's ancestral land includes a graveyard. Many people want to keep the culture and language alive, so it is not lost to future generations.

Religious Traditions (02:57)

Religion is a major part of many family traditions. People often find comfort in prayer ceremonies and the connections they create.

Rising Tensions (04:32)

The bills increase and Emma worries about someone buying the Blue Moon Tavern. Yolonda and the students attend a board meeting to discuss the racist mascot.

Food and Priorities (02:36)

Many families carry on traditions through food. The foods are tied to a place or culture. Emma reflects on Justin taking precedence over the bar.

Sports (02:53)

Many families carry on traditions by supporting the same sports teams. Many children bond with their parents by attending sporting events.

Keller High School (01:57)

Cameron understands the connection people have to the school's Native American mascot, but believes equality is more important. He is building more support within the student body and community.

Historic Places (06:32)

Many people carry on traditions in their communities through places, like movie theaters and restaurants. Many historic places closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emma has been able to keep the Blue Moon Tavern going thanks to a GoFundMe account; she added a coffee window.

Native American Traditions (04:24)

Native Americans keep traditions alive to connect to their ancestors. Many are preserving the language, culture, and growing traditions. Yolonda and Cameron get more people to speak to the school board about the mascot.

Neighborhoods (05:38)

Many Americans carry on traditions through connections to their neighborhoods. The disruption of the pandemic makes people realize that their routines are traditions. Dwight's family helps raise the money to pay the taxes for the Gullah land.

Credits: I Keep (00:35)

Credits: I Keep