Our Blues Make Us Gold, a documentary about North Carolina A&T State University, screened to a full house on Saturday, Aug. 2, during the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The event drew filmmakers, educators, HBCU supporters, and North Carolina A&T alumni.
The screening was followed by a Color of Conversation Q&A, where the filmmakers and guest speakers discussed the film’s themes of legacy, education, and community impact.
The documentary, directed and produced by Ashley Shanté Deese and Brandon Gerard Deese, focuses on the history and influence of North Carolina A&T, the nation’s largest historically Black college. It features stories from students and alumni, along with commentary from Vice President Kamala Harris, David Banner, and the Rev. Al Sharpton.
“Our goal was always to tell a story that doesn’t just live in history books, but lives in the hearts and minds of those it represents,” said Ashley Shanté Deese.
The Q&A included both directors, Carl S. McNair of McNair Achievement Programs, and civil rights activist Tylik McMillan. Dr. Irish Spencer moderated the conversation.
“This documentary is a love letter to HBCUs and to the future we’re still building,” said Brandon Deese. “North Carolina A&T was just the beginning—this is a story about who we are, what we’ve overcome, and what we’re still destined to become.”
Ashley and Brandon Deese lead A2B Entertainment, a production company focused on stories centered on the Black experience. In 2022, the film received a $100,000 grant from the Black Experience on Xfinity to support final production.
Our Blues Make Us Gold is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Photo Credit: Adrian Bernard
