True Olympic Story Film to Help Heal Our Nation

Month 1 of a 6-Month Fundraiser: Over $5,000 raised

By supporting this inspiring, untold Olympic story, you will receive an insider’s view and film updates from the crew, promo “swag,” branding and sponsorships, exclusive pre-release footage, access to unseen historical family photos, wallpaper art; eligible for VIP access to premiere, your name in film credits, copy of the film and the soundtrack, etc. CLICK "READ MORE" FOR STORY DETAILS & MORE BENEFITS TO YOU. (My contact info at frankshines.com.)

Promo video with documentary interview excerpts of Dolphus' daughter, Juanita Stroud Martin

I'm Frank (Stroud) Shines the executive producer of the forthcoming 2024 documentary film, "Running to Harvard." My heritage is of African- and Native- American origins, with a 21% blend of British-Irish DNA, providing me with a unique perspective on identity, resilience, and our collective history.

It wasn't until my sophomore summer at the US Air Force Academy that I began to discover the historic accomplishments of my maternal grandfather, Tandy, and his ten siblings (scholars, writers, scientists, activists, athletes, entrepreneurs, artists).

Among them was Dolphus, the protagonist of "Running to Harvard." The father of Dolphus and Tandy grew up on a Texas slave plantation, remaining there until he was 19 even after Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) -- the "Texas Emancipation Proclamation." Despite such humble beginnings KD and his wife Lulu would go on to raise "11 remarkable kids."

Eight years before Jesse Owens' renowned triumphs, Kelley Dolphus Stroud, poised to become a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar-Athlete and accepted to Harvard, triumphed in the Olympic tryouts within the Rocky Mountain region, thus securing his place in the 1928 Olympic Trials for the 5K race at Harvard Stadium. However, racial prejudice impeded the promised funding and train travel to Boston.

Undeterred, he set out by foot on an extraordinary 2,000-mile journey from Colorado to Cambridge. His odyssey, supported by individuals of diverse genders, geographical origins, and ethnic backgrounds, concluded with his arrival a mere six hours before the scheduled time for his race.

1929 Stroud family photo for WE DuBois Crisis Magazine Dolphus standing in middle back wearing a white suit

His tenacity not only yielded personal achievement but also forged unity in a Colorado community of diverse genders, classes, and races nearly a century ago. The Denver Post lauded him as "The Great Black Hope of the Rockies."

Tandy and Dolphus outpace the field, 1930

As executive producer, throughout my global travels in the military and on business and technology projects, I have met and worked with people from around the world, fascinated with the diversity of thought, culture, and histories.

In the year of the 2024 summer Olympics and a polarizing US Presidential election, we think "Running to Harvard" can inspire people around the world -- and just my help to heal a nation.

K. Dolphus Stroud, 1925 high school valedictorian, Palmer High School (formerly Colorado Springs High School)

We now solicit your support in producing and disseminating this uplifting narrative through the 2024 documentary "Running to Harvard."

Our funding requirements encompass:

- Historical research, archive access, and specialist consultations for historical veracity.

- Budgeting for on-location filming, crew remunerations, travel, and accommodations.

- Acquisition or creation of authentic period attire and props.

- Editing, sound mixing, color grading, and visual effects costs.

- Outreach and educational initiatives to provide complimentary access to at-risk communities, schools, and educational institutions through the RTL Foundation’s Nonprofit Development Center.

- Marketing and distribution expenditures to maximize audience reach.

- Allocation for unforeseen production expenses.

Each year the Stroud family hosts a July 4th Independence Day Celebration for the Colorado Springs community, now led by my cousins Nicole and Ashleigh.

Dolphus' daughter Juanita Stroud Martin (donning black and white, front & center) with rest of Stroud family during Colorado community July 4th, Independence Day event (2023)

Supporters and Partners include:

In the News

We have been covered by the iHeartRadio BIN News Emmy Award Winning reporter, Vanessa Tyler, the Denver Gazette, Westword.com, KOAA TV, The Pulitzer-Award Winning Gazette of Colorado Springs.

Your contributions are pivotal in realizing the research, filming, and post-production phases of "Running to Harvard."

We offer you an insider's view, exclusive pre-release footage access, unseen historical family photographs, and insights into the ancestral research and filmmaking process, retouched and AI-reimagined historical photos and AI art (see example below).

Lulu Magee Stroud of Creek Nation - Mother of Dolphus. Using her 1900 photo Frank Shines restored the photo and reimagined using Artificial Intelligence

This project transcends a mere film; it's a symbol of hope and unity in a crucial era. We appreciate your support in advance.

Godspeed,

Frank (Stroud) Shines, MBA, Captain, USAF (Hon. Discharge)

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