“INTO THE STORM” DOCUMENTS TORNADOES
BHS teacher John Timpe took great interest in 1967 basketball team at Booker…the team which had garnered national attention because of its winning streak and high scoring. When Mr. Timpe told students in his digital production class about this team, a few students wondered what happened to this group of talented athletes, and the classmates who supported them. The documentary “Into the Storm” was in the making from that moment. Booker students conducted more than 50 interviews, getting firsthand accounts of the joy, tumult, anger, and disappointment experienced by the 1967 Booker basketball team.
“This film is historically significant on many levels.” states Dr. Rachel Shelly, Booker High principal and lifelong Sarasota resident. “It’s new information to many of us. The story of desegregating Sarasota County schools is told through the eyes of the basketball team and the people who were teenagers at the time. It is an amazing look at the effects of desegregating our community schools, and the activism these students promoted during the struggle for civil rights here.”
The documentary features James Logan and others responsible for the “Freedom School” established with Newtown’s elementary students in mind. Dr. Shelley continued, “Booker suffered the same fate as many black schools in the state, just like Lincoln in Manatee County. But ours is the one that reopened, and has been able to go forward with educating children in our community, and beyond. It is a poignant and priceless story.” “Into the Storm” airs Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 at Sarasota’s Exhibition Hall as part of the Sarasota Film Festival. For some viewers, it’s a trip to an important past. Other viewers will be introduced to the people who fought for an educational crown jewel. The event includes a showing of the documentary and a reception. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children and educators. Additional donations are welcomed to support the Booker High School VPA Film Academy. Visit sarasotafilmfestival.com for ticket information.
