Description:
Shirley Caesar is a gospel singer and pastor, also active in community and political affairs in Durham, NC. She visits Harvard to sing with a choir in Memorial Church. Fields notes that Caesar is an evangelist and a Grammy award-winning singer. Fields adds that Caesar has recently entered local politics in Durham, North Carolina. Fields interviews Caesar, who talks about her music and her outreach ministry. She also discusses her recent entry into politics. Caesar says that she sees herself as a humanitarian. Fields' report includes footage of Caesar performing with a choir in front of an audience at Memorial Church.
1:00:14: Visual: Footage of Shirley Caesar (gospel singer and evangelist) performing at Memorial Church at Harvard University on October 5, 1989. A gospel choir stands behind her. Shots of members of the audience listening to Caesar. Carmen Fields reports that Caesar has won five grammy awards; that Caesar has three gold albums. Fields reports that Caesar also runs a church and an outreach mission; that Caesar has recently been elected to the City Council of Durham, North Carolina. V: Footage of Caesar being interviewed by Fields. Caesar says that she is a "down-to-earth singer"; that she is a "concerned citizen." Caesar says that she sees herself as a humanitarian. Caesar talks about her outreach ministry. Caesar says that she puts 50% of her earnings back into the community. Footage of Caesar performing at Memorial Church; of audience members listening. Footage of Caesar saying that everyone has suffered at one time or another; that she tries to send a message of love through her music. Fields notes that Caesar offers unconditional encouragement to all through her music. V: Footage of Caesar talking about Jim Baker (evangelist). Caesar says that Baker should be forced to pay back the money he owes; that Baker should not be sent to jail. Footage of Caesar performing at Memorial Church. She speculates as to whether anyone has ever danced in the aisles of Memorial Church. The crowd applauds. Caesar says that she will "christen the aisles." Shots of audience members seated in pews and on the floor. Fields reports that Caesar will soon turn fifty years old. V: Footage of Caesar performing at Memorial Church. The audience members stand and clap their hands. Footage of Caesar being interviewed by Fields. Caesar says that she is "a traditional singer with a contemporary flavor." Caesar talks about her roots in music. Footage of Caesar saying that she would like to learn more about the workings of city government; that she may run for mayor someday. Footage of Caesar performing at Memorial Church. The audience is on its feet.
Date Created:
10/06/1989
