Creating a successful film takes years to complete and the necessary capital to fund the project. In order to capture the essence of the Homer G. Phillips story, our crew has to continue to conduct interviews, afford travel expenses to film on location in the city of St. Louis and continue to conduct additional research on those directly associated with Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Our production team is working tirelessly to capture the essence of the Homer G. Phillips story and in order to complete the film.

TWO OPTIONS FOR DONATING!

1. BACK IT- Click on the pink "Back It" button on  funding page, or choose an amount with perk to also make a contribution. You will be then taken to the funding processing  page.

2. SEND A CHECK- Make checks payable to:

Earle U. Robinson Jr. M.D.

C/O Color of Medicine Funding Campaign 

2033 Oldfields Circle S. Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46228

• By making a contribution, you will receive some great perks! We have made donation amounts to fit any budget. Any and everything helps!
• If we do not reach our entire goal, we will definitely be able to utilize any amount raised to continue our project.
• If we go OVER our goal, that is even better!

THE COLOR OF MEDICINE: THE STORY OF HOMER G. PHILLIPS HOSPITAL

A documentary about the rise and fall of St. Louis, Missouri’s premier black hospital that at one point in history, trained the largest number of Black doctors and nurses in the world. The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital chronicles the unique history of the medical training of African-American doctors and nurses before and after desegregation. The film features Dr. Earle U. Robinson Jr., a 2nd generation physician and alumnus from Homer G. Phillips hospital, who shares his personal story and his father’s, Dr. Earle Robinson, Sr., who was one of the first 27 black graduates of the prestigious hospital. Recollections of the hospital’s beginnings in 1937 to its closing in 1979 are heard from other physicians, nurses and patients, along with community activists and leaders expressing the valuable significant contributions that Homer G. Phillips hospital made in African-American and United States history.    The film will be narrated by award-winning actress Tonya Williams.

The story begins in the 1930's, when Homer G Phillips, a Black attorney and civil rights activist, convinced the city of St. Louis to allocate 3 million dollars from a bond measure for a state of the art hospital for its Black citizens, who were being treated in wretched segregated facilities.  There was a need for a more adequately equipped hospital for blacks in segregated St. Louis, because City Hospital #2 was a poor alternative and the only option.  Once the funds were secured, white architect Albert Osburg began building the art deco-style hospital, but tragically, attorney Homer G. Phillips would not live to see it to fruition because he was murdered years before the hospital was opened.  Named after the activist, Homer G. Phillips hospital was the premier training center for the vast majority of Black medical specialists along with students in nursing, laboratory and radiology in the country.(i.e.The Black Johns Hopkins ), until its closing in 1979.

"I have lived some 85 years and have an eye and ear for the scenes and sounds and the humor and pathos that have intersected my life. I am a retired physician and before these events are lost with my passing, I want to make certain people have the opportunity to learn about such a monumental part in history. The best times I've had in my life were the years I spent at Homer G. Phillips...Everything about the "G" was Black. – Earle U. Robinson Jr., MD

"I knew this was a part of black history that needed to be told. Especially in my father's words. He has always been an amazing story teller." -Rebecca Robinson Williams

Training

• Graduate Indiana university school of medicine 1958
• Intern, resident and chief resident Homer G Phillips Hospital St Louis, Mo 1959-1963
• Board certified OB/GYN 1966

Medical Practice/Career

• Associate Director of OB/GYN residency program Indianapolis, IN Methodist Hospital
• Fellow of ACOG and ACS
• Associate Clinical Prof of OB/GYN Indiana university School of Medicine

Accomplishments

• Distinguished Teacher Award Indiana University School of Medicine
• Distinguished Alumni Jack Hall Award Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis, IN
• Developed Minimally invasive surgery program @ Methodist Hospital Indianapolis, IN
• Developed technology for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy @ Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
• Co-recipient of Grand Prize Paper  American Fertility Society 1990

" When I was growing up, I had a choice to either be a teacher, lawyer or a doctor and I was excellent at science so I chose to become a doctor around the age of 17" 

- Earle U. Robinson Jr., MD

Dr. Earle Robinson Jr’s personal connection with Homer G. Phillips hospital began with his father, Dr. Earle Robinson Sr., who was one of 27 Meharry Medical School graduates who took the advice of a black “red cap” porter at the train station and made history by becoming the first interns to staff the newly-constructed Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Dr. Earle Robinson Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps 21 years later and also trained at Homer G. Phillips. The hospital ranked as one of the ten largest hospitals in the United States, and its interns included more than one third of all black graduates from the two top American black medical schools. Homer G. Phillips became the leader in developing the practice of intravenous feeding, gunshot wound treatments, ulcers and burns. It offered schooling for nurses, x-ray technicians, laboratory technicians and medical record-keeping. Homer G. Phillips hospital also gave opportunities to train and work to foreign doctors who were discriminated against by white hospitals because of their race.

"Although by 1944 the hospital ranked among the ten largest general hospitals in the United States, it was consistently underfunded and understaffed. By 1948, its medical residents included more than one third of all graduates from the two American black medical schools, including Dr. Helen Elizabeth Nash. In the 1940s and 1950s it was a leader in developing the practice of intravenous feeding and treatments for gunshot wounds, ulcers, and burns. Not only did it house a nursing school, but also schools for training x-ray technicians, laboratory technicians and medical record-keeping. It also began offering training and work to foreign doctors who were being denied by other hospitals because of their race." - Resource Wikipedia

"After a 1955 order by Mayor Raymond Tucker to desegregate city hospitals, Homer G. Phillips began admitting patients regardless of race, color or religious beliefs. However, it remained a primarily black institution into the 1960s. In 1960, each department of the hospital was staffed by at least one black doctor who also was a staff member of either Washington University in St. Louis or Saint Louis University, and in 1962, three-fourths of the interns at the hospital were black." - Resource Wikipedia

When segregation ended after 1954, Mayor of St. Louis, Raymond Tucker desegregated all of the city hospitals and Homer G. Phillips began admitting patients regardless of race, color or religious beliefs. It still remained a primarily black institution into the 1960s, and each department of the hospital was staffed by at least one black doctor who also was a staff member of either Washington University in St. Louis or Saint Louis University, and statistically three-fourths of the interns at the hospital were black. The hospital remained operational until 1979 when it closed.

Our documentary will tell the triumphant, bold and sometimes harrowing remembrance of events and facts that black doctors, nurses, hospital staff and patients recall that made Homer G. Phillips a staple in the “Ville” community and a part of U.S. history.The story of this hospital should not be lost to history, and by sharing it through detailed yet entertaining and educational stories and interviews, the details of this story will educate others about the significance of Homer G. Phillips, and its history will live on.

"In 1941, Dr. William Sinkler was made medical director of the Homer G. Phillips Hospital, where he was an outstanding hospital administrator, distinguished surgeon, and Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Medical School of Washington University. 

Dr. William Sinkler provided various services towards the provision of internships and residencies for the training of physicians and surgeons in the Homer G. Phillips Hospital."

-Resource Chaamp Resources

It is extremely important that we continue to interview and capture footage of individuals who are directly connected to Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Several doctors and nurses have passed away, yet there are only a select few who are still here to share their personal story.Our social media Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/TheColorofMedicine/  has been received well by former Homer G. Phillips alumni, patients and citizens who have offered to share their stories. We hope to include what we can.

Oliver W. Page, Jr. MD FACS, a Meharry Medical College 1958 Graduate, is another physician that trained at Homer G. Phillips as a resident and chief resident in general surgery. Dr. Page is also a native of St. Louis and grew up in the "Ville," the neighborhood where HGP is located. It was inspiration for him to train there after Medical School. 

"Richards did his surgical residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. The late Dr.  Frank O. Richards was the first African American to become a member of the St. Louis Surgical Society; he eventually became the group’s first African-American president. He was the first black surgeon at DePaul and St. Luke’s hospitals, and was among the first on staff at Washington University School of Medicine."-St. Louis Public Radio

LaSalle Doheny Leffall Jr. (born May 22, 1930) is an American surgeon, oncologist, and medical educator. Upon earning his M.D., Leffall continued his medical training as intern at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis; assistant resident in surgery at Freedman’s Hospital from 1953 to 1954.  He is the Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery at Howard University College of Medicine and has served in leadership positions for several healthcare organizations, including stints as president of the American Cancer Society and the American College of Surgeons.

In 1998, the daughter of William Thomas, Sharon Thomas Robnett, renewed negotiations to turn the building into a low-income nursing home and apartments for the elderly.

The story of this hospital is so unique, it should not be lost to history.  By sharing intricate details of this story and educating others about the significance of Homer G. Phillips, the story will live on.

Creating a successful film takes years to complete and the necessary capital to fund the project. In order to capture the essence of the Homer G. Phillips story, our crew has to continue to conduct interviews, afford travel expenses to film on location in the city of St. Louis and continue to conduct additional research on those directly associated with Homer G. Phillips Hospital.

Our production team is working tirelessly to capture the essence of the Homer G. Phillips story and in order to complete the film, funds are needed for: archival photos and film footage, the hiring of Sag/Aftra Voice-over narration and on-air talent, editing and post-production, errors and emissions insurance and marketing.

Funds will go towards:

• Archival photos and film footage
• Filming on site at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis
• Filming footage of interviews of those directly associated with Homer G. Phillips Hospital including; Doctors, Nurses, Patients and residents of St. Louis
• Hiring of SAG/AFTRA Voice-over talent and on-air talent
• Editing and post-production costs
• Errors and Omissions Insurance
• Marketing

TWO OPTIONS FOR DONATING!

1. BACK IT- Click on the pink "Back It" button on  funding page, or choose an amount with perk to also make a contribution. You will be then taken to the funding processing  page.

2. SEND A CHECK- Make checks payable to:

Earle U. Robinson Jr. M.D.

C/O Color of Medicine Funding Campaign 

2033 Oldfields Circle S. Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46228

• By making a contribution, you will receive some great perks! We have made donation amounts to fit any budget. Any and everything helps!
• If we do not reach our entire goal, we will definitely be able to utilize any amount raised to continue our project.
• If we go OVER our goal, that is even better!

One of our amazing perks is an official "The Color Of Medicine" Poster! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Remember to use the Indiegogo "SHARE" tools. The more you share, the more people we will reach! Share "The Color of Medicine" campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Email by using the convenient links provided.

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/TheColorofMedicine/

Trailer Link: https://vimeo.com/208607261

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TCOMdocumentary

Also follow us on Instagram: @the_color_of_medicine

Our campaign  to fund the film "The Color of Medicine" will be a major accomplishment. Your support and contribution can make this happen!

We are going to:

• Create awareness
• Provide an educational resource
• Enlighten many far and wide
• Create a legacy

Our team of producers are deeply indebted to the late Dr.Howard Phillip Venable (1913-1998), Director of  the Department of Ophthalmology at Homer G. Phillips Hospital , for his assiduous labors in preparing the historical article prepared in the Journal National Medical Association.  Dr. Howard Phillip Venable serves the National Medical Association as chairman of the section on Eye ,Ear, Nose and Throat, and secretary of the Council on Scientific Assembly.

"Dr. Venable's extensive research was a primary source of details for the Homer G. Phillips Hospital story, in addition to my personal experience."  -Dr. Earle U. Robinson, Jr.

Special  thank you Dr. Earle U. Robinson Jr's son Kenneth Robinson for his generous contributions that helped us begin our initial project.

Special thank you to Dr. Earle U. Robinson Jr's Children, Grandchildren, Family and Friends for the ongoing support!

Joyce Marie Fitzpatrick -Producer/Co-Director/Writer  of the film spent months discussing the possibility of creating the film with Dr. Earle U. Robinson Jr.'s daughter Becky .  They both were inspired and began the project over two years ago.

Filming for “The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital started in the Summer of 2015, through the grass root efforts of talented filmmakers with over 40 years of combined experience, and numerous months of research, who are passionate about sharing this powerful film with the audience it deserves.

The creators are very honored to have award-winning television and film actress, Tonya Williams on board with the documentary bringing more star power to the project.  Ms. Williams is known for her 19 years on the daytime television show “Young and the Restless,” and has also appeared with Danny Glover in the feature film “Poor Boy’s Game”; with Tia and Tamara Mowry in the Lifetime movie, “Double Wedding”; and as the re-occurring Octavia Jones, a senior U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent, on the CBC night-time hit drama, “The Border;” and in Canada on several productions including Lifetimes’ Casey Anthony’ starring Rob Lowe. She is also the founder of the Canadian Film festival, ReelWorld Film Festival.  www.reelworld.ca.
http://www.tonya-williams.com

To often stories like these go untold, and the accomplishments of such courageous people get swept under the rug. I consider it an honor and a privilege to able to tell the story of such an important part of our history." - Brian Shackelford 

Writer Beverly D. Hunter

Beverly D. Hunter was hired as a Staff Writer on the long running sitcom Family Matters. Since that time, Beverly has worked on staff, and as a freelance writer. She has acquired numerous produced credits for shows such as Moesha, Girlfriends, The Parkers, Disney’s animated series The Proud Family, and a children’s book adaptation of Max’s Lucado’s “If I Only Had A Green Nose” for a straight-to- video release. Additionally, she developed a pilot spin-off of the Rugrat’s character Susie Carmichael for Klasky/Csupo Productions. Her most recent staff position was as a writer for Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne.”

Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0402729/?ref_=fn_al_...

Tiffany B. Glass has an impressive career spanning Television, Film and Public Relations.  Her work include the documentary “Discovering Mary” as a writer. With a career spanning over 20 years, Tiffany’s other credits include independent film “Apollyon”  (2015)  Kim Zolciak Wedding of Real Housewives of Atlanta (2012) and  The Houstons: On Our Own (2013).  A Marketing and Social Media Executive for Atlanta Cause Marketing and PR for 4 years in Atlanta, Tiffany has been successfully while living in  Los Angeles then migrating to Atlanta for the 2009 and 2010 Soul Train Awards as the Production Coordinator.  Tiffany's enthusiasm and love for Media is always welcomed wherever she lands. 

Brianna Hobrock-Shackelford is a creator based in Los Angeles.  She currently works as a musician, writer, and recording engineer. 

Rebecca Robinson Williams studied fashion design in Atlanta, Ga. and continued her education at North Carolina Central University where she majored in Visual Communications. Her background also includes art history, printmaking, photography, graphic design and creative marketing. Rebecca is mostly known for her fashion design company psnob.com (pronounced snob) which launched in 2001. In 2016 Rebecca started her new venture "Black ART Matters"  in order to support African-American Creatives/Artists and provide obtainable resources and consultation services.  Rebecca has contributed towards several nonprofit organizations throughout the country by auctioning her one of a kind handbags and fine art. Rebecca's artwork has been featured in dozens of media outlets including; Jezebel Magazine, Pattern Magazine, New York Examiner, Points North Magazine, The National Endowment Of The Arts and most recently, exhibited her artwork at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.

www.psnob.com

www.theconcreteartist.net

www.blackartmatters.info

"I had the honor to be able to shoot the interview of my Father, Dr. Oliver W. Page, Jr. for our documentary project, The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital." - Mario Eugene Page

JOYCE MARIE FITZPATRICK-  Producer/Co-Director/Writer

Brian Shackelford- Co-Producer/Co-Director/Editor

Filmmaker Brian Shackelford is a veteran of television and film, and founder of Tunnel Vizion Entertainment. A graduate of film school at Loyola Marymount, he landed one of his first gigs as a director for a music video, featuring West Coast rap artist Mack 10.  After graduation, he worked as a lead camera operator and editor for a number of independent companies before shooting, directing, and editing his first feature film –“The Bad News Ballers.” Other credits include “Getting’ Da Munchies,” “Watch What You Prey For,” “Porn Editor” “Ungrateful,” “The Latin Rap Conference” and “Sunshine, Noodles and Me.”  He recently placed as one of three finalist in the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) McDonald’s Spec Commercial Competition held in June of 2015. A true triple threat, Brian Shackelford has created over 300 hours of original, non-fiction programming.   Shackelford post production background includes over 600 hours of original, non fiction programming for the following companies: 20th Century Fox, VH1, MTV, 51 Minds Entertainment, 44 Blue, Ryan Seacrest Productions, World of Wonder, T Group Productions, Electus, Scott Sternberg Productions, and Down In Front Entertainment.  In 2008 Shackelford created Tunnel Vizion Entertainment, a production and post production company specializing in giving lower budgeted projects the look and feel of high end productions.  Under Tunnel Vizion Brian created the animated television pilot & "Porn Editor" based on the time he spent editing adult content for Vivid Video and Hustler.  The project was a finalist in the ABFF and was later signed to a two year option and aired on HBO.  In 2013 Shackelford received the Golden Kahuna Award from the Honolulu Film Festival for best comedy pilot "Animal Control" In 2014 Brian's action/sci-fi web series pilot for "Identity Confirmed" won third place in the Indi.com Film Festival and honorable mention in the SoCal Film Festival.  The cancer and wellness documentary "Sunshine, Noodles, and Me", Shackelford's 4th feature film, shot in Malaysia, Singapore, Texas, and Indianapolis, aired on PBS in 2015, and won 1st place in the 2015 Capital City Black film Festival, founded by Viola Davis and her husband Julian Tennon.  http://pixasso72.wixsite.com/brianshackelford

MARIO EUGENE PAGE-Co-Director of Photography/Co-Producer

Mario is native of the Midwest. He was born outside of Detroit, raised in Indianapolis and Chicago. His undergraduate education began at Indiana University and was later completed at Clark Atlanta University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Radio/TV/Film in 1995.

He started his career in Broadcast Journalism in 1995 as a Video Editor, and shortly transitioned behind the lens. Mario worked as a Broadcast News Cameraman for various network affiliate TV stations in Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Chattanooga, and Chicago until late 2006. In 2007, he took the leap of faith, starting his own video production business.  This opened the door for more opportunities to work on Documentaries, Reality TV shows, and manage a small list of corporate and network TV news clients.  In the Fall of 2012, Mario began pursuing a Master of Arts degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) campus in Atlanta.  He remains an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and his local church. He resides in the metro Atlanta area with his wife and young daughter.

"I have a personal connection to the documentary being that my father, Dr. Oliver W. Page, Jr, a General Surgeon, trained at Homer G. Phillips. My father lived within walking distance of the Hospital, which was my father's inspiration to train there."- - Mario Eugene Page

Mario Eugene Page's website:  http://www.marioeugenepage.com

IMDB link to Mario Eugene Page's film and television credits:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3049047/

Contribute

Your contribution allows us to use the funds raised to complete a monumental film.

Share

Spread the word! Awareness about our project helps others to learn about our campaign. Be sure to use our social media tools at the top of the page!

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/TheColorofMedicine/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TCOMdocumentary

Support

Continue to use important resources to learn about projects such as ours. The Color of Medicine: The Homer G. Phillips Documentary cannot be possible without the support of others.

Do you have a personal connection with Homer G. Phillips Hospital?

Please contact us! We would be honored to interview you.

Submit your information to thehomergphillipsproject@gmail.com

GENERAL INQUIRY

Questions, Comments or Additional Information About The Color of Medicine: Homer G. Phillips Hospital Film. Email us at  thehomergphillipsproject@gmail.com

Thank you in advance for your support!

SOCIAL MEDIA

Remember to use the Indiegogo "SHARE" tools. The more you share,

the more people we will reach.

*Photo Credits/Resources : Mario Eugene Page Photography, Builtstlouis.net, Wikipedia.org, Blackpast.org (Image Ownership/Public Domain)