‘Untold story’: Film reveals integral yet hidden role of Black people in NC town’s history
Sharnetta Clark-Gordon immediately joined the effort when she learned of a planned documentary about the integral yet long-ignored role of Black people in her town over its nearly 150 years.
“I was told there was no record of Black history for Mooresville,” Clark-Gordon said Wednesday in an announcement about the upcoming unveiling of “Black Mooresville: The Untold Story.”
“This is going to be life-changing for some, because they’re getting to tell their story,” she thought.
Clark-Gordon ended up arranging interviews for the documentary. She helped residents feel comfortable before the camera and provided voiceovers.
At 2 p.m. Feb. 11, she will co-emcee the documentary premiere event at the Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main St. in downtown Mooresville.
The free event will include guest speakers, memorabilia and fellowship.
The documentary “dives into the Black community’s integral roles and impacts that weren’t detailed in the archives,” according to a town news release about the premiere.
Shawn Eckles of Iredell County Television directed and produced the film. Clark-Gordon and the Revs. Curtis Johnson and Gavin Gabriel narrated.
150th anniversary celebration
Johnson, the local NAACP president, suggested including the rich history of Black people in Mooresville as the town sought ideas last summer for its year-long 2023 150th anniversary celebration.
A 150th anniversary committee endorsed the idea and sought residents for the film.
Clark-Gordon said the documentary gave many longtime residents “the chance to tell their stories, their successes, and the changes they’ve seen since the town became incorporated on March 3, 1873.”
She said the documentary is for “everyone, not just the Black community.”
“I was just excited to be part of it and have learned a lot, some I knew nothing about,” Clark-Gordon said. “I’ve learned things about my family, as well.”
This story was originally published January 25, 2023 at 12:23 PM.