This August, the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) once again proved why it’s a premier destination for transformative Black cinema. On Saturday, August 2nd, the festival hosted the acclaimed documentary Our Blues Make Us Gold, drawing a standing-room-only audience and sparking conversations that extended far beyond the theater walls.
The event was a vibrant celebration of Black excellence, cultural heritage, and cinematic storytelling, with attendees ranging from filmmakers and educators to HBCU advocates and proud alumni of North Carolina A&T State University. The atmosphere was electric — a living testament to the cultural and emotional power of the film.
A Landmark Screening
Featured as part of MVAAFF’s prestigious Vineyard programming, Our Blues Make Us Gold brought the history and legacy of North Carolina A&T State University to the forefront. The film chronicles the nation’s largest historically Black college and university, telling stories of scholarship, activism, and resilience through the voices of alumni, students, and notable cultural figures such as:
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Vice President Kamala Harris
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David Banner, activist and hip-hop artist
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Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights leader
Since its development in 2019, the documentary has aimed to offer a narrative that is not just factual but deeply personal — one that resonates in the hearts and minds of the communities it represents.
Color of Conversation Q&A: A Deeper Dive
The post-screening Color of Conversation panel took the afternoon to another level, blending heartfelt storytelling with thought-provoking discussion.
Panelists included:
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Ashley Shanté Deese & Brandon Gerard Deese — Co-Producers and Director/Producer of Our Blues Make Us Gold
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Carl S. McNair — CEO, McNair Achievement Programs (MAP), LLC
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Tylik McMillan — Civil Rights Activist
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Moderated by Dr. Irish Spencer — Social Impact Strategist
The conversation explored themes such as:
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The cultural and political impact of HBCUs
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How storytelling preserves and elevates Black legacy
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The role of academic institutions in shaping social justice movements
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The personal and collective pride tied to HBCU identity
From Vision to Reality
Ashley and Brandon Deese, co-founders of A2B Entertainment, have built a reputation for creating visually compelling, emotionally intimate work that bridges global Black experiences. With over two decades of combined industry experience, they approached this project with the intention of crafting more than a historical record.
“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. “To screen this at MVAAFF, among our peers, fellow alumni, and cultural leaders, was incredibly meaningful.”
In April 2022, the film received a $100,000 grant from the Black Experience on Xfinity, funding its final production stages and helping it reach streaming platforms.
“This documentary is a love letter to HBCUs and to the future we’re still building,” added Brandon Gerard 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.”
A Film with Lasting Impact
Currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Our Blues Make Us Gold continues to inspire audiences across generations. It challenges viewers to reflect on the transformative role of education, the resilience of Black communities, and the enduring contributions of HBCUs to society at large.
With 2025 marking new opportunities for distribution and festival screenings, the film’s journey is far from over. Its Martha’s Vineyard debut wasn’t just a cinematic event — it was a cultural moment that affirmed the importance of preserving and celebrating African American educational and cultural legacies.
For more on the film and its impact, visit:
