UMTV Brief

UMTV Web Brief 2/12/03 –

Civil Rights Snapshot – Intro:

Welcome to UMTV’s Web Brief; I’m Reed Galin.

Anyone who studies the civil rights movement in the United States will find it almost inseparable from the black church. Now, an artist in Nashville has found a way to dramatize that link with a collection of 25 photographs of the most important houses of worship of that time. Dennis Ferrier reports.  

Civil Rights Snapshot – Story:

The sting of billy clubs, then sanctuary. On Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965, the refuge came at a black church, Brown’s Chapel A.M.E. in Selma.

Carlton Wilkinson, artist: "Civil rights and the black church is just synonymous. But the thing is, is that it was a place where black people could control what took place there."

Carlton Wilkinson’s photos feature Dr. Martin Luther King’s home church, Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist, and Dexter Avenue Baptist in Montgomery, where he led the bus boycotts.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Because I've been to the mountain top ...”

The Mason Temple in Memphis, where King gave his last sermon, and the final church home of civil rights leader Medgar Evers are also part of the collection.

Medgar Evers: "We'll be demonstrating here until freedom comes.”

Carlton Wilkinson: “A lot of these buildings are being torn down; the pastors have passed or moved on. It’s important that I capture as much authentic places as possible.”

Places like Asbury United Methodist in Canton, Miss., which welcomed students during the freedom summer of ‘64.

Nat Sound: "Sunday morning, Sept. 15 ..."

Or 16th Street Baptist in Birmingham, where a bomb killed four girls. The photo is not of the bombed area, but the front steps, worn by the feet of thousands who fought for civil rights.

Carlton Wilkinson: "I wanted to celebrate the glorious moment of this church. It was a pillar of strength for that movement."

Wilkinson’s project remains unfinished. Just like the struggle for equality.

Civil Rights Snapshot – Tag:

Carlton hopes to gather more photos for his collection. It’s actually become an irreplaceable reflection of history as more and more of the churches are no longer standing.

Colorado to Cambodia – Intro:

A unique bond has been created from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the rice fields of Cambodia.  The common link is a former refugee turned minister, who is leading an international effort to help the poorest in his homeland.

Colorado to Cambodia – Story:

Joseph Chan feels like he has died and gone to heaven.

Pastor Joseph Chan, United Methodist Church: “Yah, yah, this not easy to believe, but the Lord can do this for us.”

Nat sound: “It’s a Cambodian mixing machine.”

Joseph has lived many lives, mostly in refugee camps, but always dreaming of coming home to help his people.

Joseph Chan: “Right now, we have many friends here. You see, so joyful … a big smile … a big face … just so happy.”

Nat Sound: “We are making good progress.”

Joseph’s friends are members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church of Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Joseph Chan: “That was my idea to do this project.”

Brian Sorsby, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Highlands Ranch, Colo.: “He had a dream. He wants to come back and do well for his country.”

Joseph’s model farm and vocational tech school is the first of its kind in Cambodia.

Joseph Chan: “This project – for the pig project, we have the baby pigs we can share with the community here.”

David Fornof, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Highlands Ranch, Colo.: “This building here will eventually be a machine shop for small motors up to motorcycles and then eventually automobiles.”

Chanthy: “Yes, she is very hopeful for a bright future for her kids and her community here because of this church support and assistance.”

Stefanie Datson, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Highlands Ranch, Colo.: “It’s just a real nice feeling to know that this is going to help a lot of people.”

Nat Sound: “This is a mango tree.”

Brian Sorsby: “I don’t think he feels he can change the whole thing at one time, but he’s going to bang away on it as long as he can.”

Joseph Chan: “This is not easy to believe, but the Lord can do this for us.”

Colorado to Cambodia – Tag:

Joseph Chan’s ultimate dream is to see these types of learning centers all over Cambodia, helping church members become self-sufficient.

Tease next week:

On the next UMTV Web Brief, a new resource to inspire African-American women.

Thanks for watching. Make it a good week.