WSB-TV (Television station : Atlanta, Ga.)

Description

In this WSB newsfilm clip from September 26, 1966, Mercer University student Sam Oni and Dr. Thomas Holmes speak about the decision of Tattnall Square Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia, to remain segregated and dismiss Holmes as their pastor for advocating desegregation.The clip begins by focusing on the sign at the entrance to Mercer University. The camera moves to show several campus buildings and men walking on campus. A white reporter interviews Sam Oni in front of Tattnall Square Baptist Church. Oni, a Baptist convert from Ghana, was one of three Black men who integrated Mercer University in 1963. Later the camera shows the sign for Tattnall Square Baptist Church. The sign indicates that the pastor, Thomas J. Holmes, will be speaking on "My Impossible Dream" at 7 pm, although no date is given for the sermon. The clip begins recording in the middle of Oni's statement. Oni details why he felt obligated to try to integrate Tattnall Square Baptist Church. According to Oni, the church members do not understand that their decision to reject potential church members of African descent impedes the church's missionary effort in Africa and in the rest of the world. By trying to attend Tattnall Square Baptist church, Oni tried to "forestall this terrible tragedy that was about to take place."After this, the camera focuses on a mailbox with the sign "Thomas J. Holmes." The camera shows the front of the house. Inside, a name plaque indicates the desk belongs to Thomas J. Holmes. Holmes...

Record Contributed By

Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Georgia