Hello, I’m Sissi Torres, a São Toméan-American filmmaker and I'm seeking your support to preserve a vital piece of Black history.

When I was a film student at NYU, one of my first courses was a documentary class. I reached out to a dear family friend, Uncle Jim, and asked if I could interview him about his father’s time as a professor at Howard University.

When we sat together for the interview, Uncle Jim talked about his father, but he also told me that his grandfather, John Hope, was the first Black president of Morehouse College. I quickly learned that his family tree encompassed generations of civil rights activism alongside notable figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr.

What started as a humble school assignment quickly became a humbling revelation of a family legacy overflowing with historic firsts and pioneering achievements that I never learned about in history class. I knew there was so much more to research, uncover, and document, but as a student, I was overwhelmed by the scope of the Hope family’s history.

After thirteen years of personal and professional growth, I finally feel equipped to tackle this incredible story. I am deeply grateful for your financial support as I embark on this journey!

About This Project

This documentary celebrates the lives of John Hope and Lugenia Burns Hope, the first Black President and First Lady of Morehouse College, and their descendants.

Our goal is to provide an intimate peek into four generations of the Hope family while highlighting their historic achievements, global influence, and enduring family legacy.

Through the preservation efforts of John and Lugenia’s son, Dr. Edward S. Hope, stewardship by their grandson, James Hope, and the generosity of their great-granddaughter, Dr. Tonija Hope, we have access to family photos, footage, and archival documents, collected since the early 20th century, including correspondence with notable figures such as FDR, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Bobby Kennedy. We plan to tell this story by weaving this treasure trove of historical media with interviews of the Hope family, their friends, and relevant subject matter experts.

Featured Subjects

John Hope (Morehouse College: President, 1906. Alpha Phi Alpha, 1928)

Lugenia Burns Hope (Morehouse: First Lady, 1906. Founder of the Neighborhood Union, 1908)

Dr. Edward S. Hope (Alpha Phi Alpha, Sigma Chapter, 1925. Howard University: Superintendent of building and grounds, 1932; Professor of Civil Engineering, 1947)

Marion Conover Hope (Delta Sigma Theta, Iota Chapter; created the Delta Jabberwock, 1925)

Dr. Tonija M. Hope (Howard University: Executive Director of the Ralph J. Bunche Center, 2018; Ph.D., 2024; Assistant Provost for International Programs, 2025)

Why Now

In a time where American history, specifically Black history, is actively being erased and rewritten, we feel it is crucial to honor this family that has tirelessly fought for equality, fostered social welfare, and dedicated their lives to advocating for marginalized communities.

How You Can Help

This project is currently in development as we gather the information and materials necessary to pitch to production companies.

Before we pitch, we are raising funds to film time-sensitive events and interviews that we believe are necessary components of this story.

Your donations will assist us in organizing and cataloging archival research, hiring crew, renting equipment, conducting interviews, and polishing our pitch materials.

Our first goal is to film in Chicago in June!

We look forward to providing updates as this project grows.

Please share this fundraiser with family, friends, colleagues, and anyone committed to the preservation of Black history.

Thank you so much for your support!!

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No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.