This is the earliest surviving movie made by an African-American director. It is the first look at the African-American's plight in the early 1900's filmed by a member of its own community. Even then, it was recognized tha... more »t education is the key to bettering one's condition in life. Getting the funds for segregated schools was especially difficult. Unless the reverend can raise $5,000 to supplement the $1.49 per child the state supplies, the school will be closed. Sylvia, a committed parishioner, goes north to raise the money with little success. After several adventures, she meets a wealthy female philanthropist sympathetic to her quest. Despite opposition to her donation from bigoted friends, she comes through in a big way.« less