Movie tells story of Fayettevilles first African American superintendent

“Colbert, All Students Can Learn” will premiere at the Bentonville Film Festival on June 18th at 12:30 p. m. The documentary highlights the contributions of John L. Colbert, Fayetteville’s first African American superintendent, who served the district for nearly fifty years. Inspired by Colbert's legacy, filmmaker Mike Day, who founded Dayvision in 2019, sought to empower black storytellers through film.

Day’s production involved gathering interviews from Colbert’s family, friends, and colleagues, as well as visiting his hometown to enrich the narrative. His daughter was pivotal in convincing Colbert to participate, showcasing the family’s pride in his achievements. A memorable moment for Day was meeting Colbert's mother, who passed away shortly before the film's release, where she conveyed her love for him. The documentary aims to educate viewers about the importance of black history and the impact of education on community growth. Filming commenced in summer 2023, leading to the film's release in late November of the same year.