empty tomb,® inc.
Streaming Video Index
The Sparks Fly Upward Videos
In 1986, empty tomb volunteers wanted to explore the history of segregation, both in the nation and the church. Doug Peterson and Wilmer Zehr produced The Sparks Fly Upward which is copyrighted and distributed by empty tomb, inc. Interviews are with Rev. W. H. Donaldson, the retired Pastor of Salem Baptist Church, Champaign, IL; Mrs. Lydia Wilson, a member of Salem Baptist Church, who formerly had been a cook in some of the wealthiest homes in Champaign, IL; Kenneth Stratton, a teacher and administrator in the Champaign schools, who was the first African American elected to the Champaign City Council, with a school now named after him in Champaign, and who was a member of Bethel AME, Champaign; and Willie Summerville, a renowned music teacher in the Urbana schools, now retired, and a member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Urbana.
These two videos explore segregation and its effects in the Champaign-Urbana area and nationally. Two topics are covered specifically: the Segregated Community, a historical look at segregation in society in general, and the Segregated Church, a look at segregation in churches.
The Sparks Fly Upward
Click here to see some discussion questions for The Sparks Fly Upward Part 1
Credits:
Produced by Doug Peterson and Wilmer Zehr, Photography by Wilmer Zehr, Narrated by Kent Redmon
Readings by Jenny Goran, Illustrations by Tony Grant, Titles by Starbird Graphics, Music by St. Luke’s CME Choir
Special Thanks to Bill Donaldson, Ken Stratton, Willie Summerville, Lydia Wilson, WBGL Radio, Canaan Baptist Church, Second Hand Rose Antiques
Historical Photos Courtesy of Champaign County Historical Museum and Library of Congress
©empty tomb, inc. 1986-2021
The Sparks Fly Upward 2
Click here to see some discussion questions for The Sparks Fly Upward Part 2
Credits:
Produced by Doug Peterson and Wilmer Zehr, Photography by Wilmer Zehr, Narrated by Kent Redmon
Readings by Jenny Goran, Illustrations by Tony Grant, Titles by Starbird Graphics, Music by St. Luke’s CME Choir
“They’ll Know We Are Christians” Performed by The New Covenant Worship Corp
Special Thanks to Bill Donaldson, Ken Stratton, Willie Summerville, Lydia Wilson, WBGL Radio
©empty tomb, inc. 1986-2021
CFFD Christian Family to Family Dinners (CFFD)
This is the link for viewing the Christian Family to Family Dinners.
Click here for the Christian Family to Family Dinners