Just in time for July 4th, Divine Word Father Derek Simons and Angels Studio has launched Race Bridges Videos, a website that features professional storytellers sharing original, true tales of America’s rich and diverse history.

The website’s high-quality digital videos showcase 40 stories from Americans of diverse racial, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.

“With this video showcase, we want to inspire viewers to think beyond the traditional Fourth of July celebration, to consider the wide spectrum of American perspectives, and to reflect more deeply on the ideals of freedom, independence and what it means to be American,” said Fr. Simons, creative director of Angels Studio.

“While many of the stories incorporate historical events and figures, they all reflect the storyteller’s personal experiences with or reflections on those events,” he said. “The storytellers come from a broad range of backgrounds—black, white, Asian-American, Hispanic, Jewish, Muslim and Catholic. They touch on themes of hope, courage and resilience.”

Fr. Simons has worked with professional storytellers for many years. For eight years and counting, he has co-produced the annual JustStories Festival in the Chicagoland area. This event features professional storytellers who are devoted to racial justice.

To honor Fr. Simon’s work with the professional storytelling community, members of the National Storytelling Network will bestow the Oracle Award for leadership and service at their conference in Los Angeles on July 31.

In 1990, he received the prestigious Gabriel Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his work in broadcast communications. Other recipients include radio and television host Art Linkletter, anchorman Walter Cronkite, actress Della Reese and Muppets creator Jim Henson. 

A native of London, England, Fr. Simons is a member of the Society of the Divine Word, the Catholic Church’s largest religious order of missionary priests and brothers. In addition to his work in communications, Fr. Simons also served as a priest in two of Chicago’s oldest African-American parishes, St. Elizabeth and St. Anselm. Located on the city’s Southside, both faith communities have a rich history of promoting racial harmony and community development.