The Creation Poem Project is a fully animated adaptation of James Weldon Johnson’s iconic African American poem, accompanied by a 100-page graphic novel based on design assets from the finished film.

Both the animated film and graphic novel will be completed by Spring 2027, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Johnson’s celebrated collection of poems, God’s Trombones; Seven Negro Sermons in Verse.

The Creation is a uniquely American poem that imagines the first chapters of Genesis as Black Gospel sermon.  James Weldon Johnson, Harlem Renaissance poet and first Black Executive Secretary of the NAACP, captures both the majestic power on display at the inception of the universe, and a Creator’s poignant desire for intimacy that leads to the creation of humankind.  

The Creation Poem Project celebrates the power and legacy of the Black Gospel tradition, while inviting a new and diverse audience to dig deeply into the wisdom of a human origin story that recognizes the worth of all people, celebrates the unparalleled beauty of creation, and calls us to steward the resources that have been placed in our care.

 

J. Stephan Leeper is the Director, Producer, and Lead Animator behind The Creation Poem Project.  Steve has produced award-winning short films using stop-motion, digital cut-outs and drawn animation.  Steve led the 3D Layout team on Jonah: a VeggieTales Movie, was a Chicago-based stop motion animator, led workshops for the Chicago Children's International Film Festival, and is currently the founding professor of the Animation Program at Central Michigan University.

 

D. Chandler Bierdeman (Chad) is the Assistant Director and FX Supervisor on the Creation Poem Project. Chad has over a decade of experience working as an effects and character animator on award winning short films and commercial series. Chad is currently the Lead FX Animator at Jam-Filled Animation serving clients such as Disney XD, Amazon Prime, and Nickelodeon. 

 

Chelsea Dunham is the Assistant Art Director on the Creation Poem Project. She is also working on Scene & Character Designs, and Digital Character Builds.  Chelsea is a recent graduate of the Animation BFA program at Central Michigan University. Chelsea has contributed to a number of short films and client projects, including the annual Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival Bumper. 

 

 

Bishop Dr. Hurley J. Coleman Jr. will perform the Voice-over for the Animated Film.  Bishop Coleman is a pastor, speaker, recording artist, and lifelong creative whose voice has moved congregations and communities for more than four decades. As Senior Pastor of World Outreach Campus Church in Saginaw, Michigan, he brings that same artistry to the pulpit, blending conviction, compassion, storytelling, and faith. In 2024 Bishop Coleman was consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop in the Church of God in Christ.