Few people understand how vibrant and culturally rich Black Hendersonville once was. Documentarian David Weintraub's latest film, "Color Beyond the Lines," uncovers this hidden history and reveals a surprising truth: many Black residents didn't embrace school desegregation because they valued their own educational institutions where teachers looked like them and taught their history.
After working with the Black History Research Group for over a decade and conducting hundreds of oral histories, Weintraub felt compelled to tell this story. The film documents how institutions like the Ninth Avenue School and East Flat Rock Colored School formed the cultural backbone of the community despite having fewer resources. When integration came, something precious was lost - schools taught by people who understood the discrimination Black residents faced daily, from segregated water fountains to being forced to sit upstairs at theaters and get food from the backs of restaurants.
"There's gold in these hills," Weintraub explains, describing the rich tapestry of cultural connections he's discovered during his 25-year filmmaking journey. Through his Center for Cultural Preservation, he's created over 50 documentary films and recorded more than 500 oral histories, capturing voices that might otherwise be silenced by time. His work reveals how Appalachian traditions, from music to crafts, represent not just white culture but a beautiful blending of African-American, British Isles, and Indigenous influences.
Don't miss the premiere of "Color Beyond the Lines" on June 21st at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Blue Ridge Community College, featuring post-film discussion with Black community leaders. Tickets are expected to sell out, so reserve yours now at saveculture.org and be part of preserving Henderson County's full, diverse history.
