The McKinney Center will host a film screening of The Indelible Appalachians. The screening will take place on Thursday, September 4, 6pm. This screening is free and open to the public. Filmmaker Frederick DeShon Murphy and a few of the featured individuals from the documentary will be present for the screening, which will include a Question and Answer segment, as well as a reception with light refreshments.

Indelible Appalachians is a powerful and poignant documentary that illuminates the rich and often overlooked experiences of Black Appalachians. This film takes viewers on an evocative journey through the mountains and valleys of Appalachia, capturing the stories of individuals dedicated to preserving their history, embracing their present, and shaping their future.

This documentary delves into the complex interplay of race, identity, and geography, while celebrating the impact of Black Appalachians on the region’s cultural landscape. It challenges prevailing narratives and invites audiences to recognize and honor the vital role these communities play in the ongoing story of Appalachia.

Indelible Appalachians is not just a film; it is a tribute to the enduring spirit and unyielding determination of a people who, despite being overlooked, continue to leave an impressionable mark on the heart of Appalachia.

Frederick Murphy is the founder of History Before Us, LLC, a project centered on capturing, preserving, and advocating for influential history. He lives in Charlotte, NC and is a graduate of Tennessee State University & Bethune-Cookman University. His first film, the award-winning The American South as We Know It, explores the lives of survivors of Jim Crow—the courageous individuals who didn’t make the headlines. In addition to being a filmmaker, Frederick is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and has a master’s degree in Transformative Leadership. He serves on the board of the

James K. Polk Historic Site in Pineville, North Carolina, the Slave Dwelling Project in Charleston, South Carolina, Tennessee State Parks Black Heritage Committee and the Tennessee African American History Research Group located in Clarksville, TN.

For more information you may contact the McKinney Center, 423.753.0562.