The upcoming premiere of the documentary Color Beyond the Lines will shed light on the critical fight for school desegregation in Western North Carolina. Filmmaker David Weintraub produced the film in collaboration with the Center for Cultural Preservation. It is set to screen on October 11, 2025, at 14:00 in the main auditorium of the Tryon Fine Arts Center during the Tryon International Film Festival.
This year holds significant importance as Henderson County commemorates the 60th anniversary of its school desegregation. Following Henderson’s lead, Polk County implemented its own desegregation measures in 1967. While the film predominantly highlights Henderson County, it also interweaves the narratives of both counties, illustrating their interconnected histories.
Documenting a Shared Legacy
For many years, a significant number of Black students from Polk County attended the Ninth Avenue School in Hendersonville. This institution served not only Henderson’s Black students but also those from Transylvania and Polk counties until its integration in 1965. Ronnie Pepper, president of the Black History Research Group, emphasized the resourcefulness of Black communities in securing education during segregation. “They found ways to educate their kids in churches, at people’s homes, even outside,” he stated. “They understood that if they were going to be truly free after slavery, they needed a quality education.”
Among those who attended Ninth Avenue School is Melinda Lowrance, a member of the Hendersonville City Council. She reflects on the impact of the school in fostering a strong sense of cultural identity among students prior to integration. “There was something special about attending a school where the teachers looked like you, taught history, and understood your community’s struggle to maintain dignity,” Lowrance remarked. “Integration brought access to up-to-date books and facilities, but it came at a tremendous cost — the loss of identity and heritage.”
Resilience and Community Spirit
Color Beyond the Lines not only chronicles the challenges faced by Black communities in Western North Carolina but also celebrates their resilience. The film highlights the supportive networks established through local churches, such as Star Bethel Baptist, and significant achievements, including the triumph of the 1972 Hendersonville High Bearcats basketball team. That year, the team won the state title with an unprecedented four Black starters, marking a notable moment in the aftermath of integration.
After the screening, David Weintraub will engage with the audience in a discussion and answer questions. Given the anticipated interest, tickets for this event are expected to sell out quickly and can be purchased through the festival’s official website at www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org.
The creation of Color Beyond the Lines was made possible through the support of several organizations, including the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the Arts Council of Henderson County, and North Carolina Humanities. The Center for Cultural Preservation, based in Hendersonville, is dedicated to preserving mountain heritage through oral history, documentary filmmaking, and educational programming. For additional information, visit www.saveculture.org or call (828) 692-8062.
