Fayetteville’s First Black Superintendent Honored in Powerful Documentary Celebrating Nearly 50 Years of Impact in Education

Colbert’s Life Story Hits the Big Screen

A new documentary tells the inspiring story of John L. Colbert, Fayetteville’s first Black superintendent. The film, “Colbert, All Students Can Learn,” shines a light on his nearly five decades of work in public education.

The documentary will be screened at the Bentonville Film Festival on June 18 at 12:30 p.m. at Skylight Cinemas. The film captures Colbert’s journey through education and his historic leadership role in Fayetteville Public Schools.

From Classroom to Superintendent Office

John L. Colbert worked in Fayetteville schools for almost 50 years. During that time, he served in many roles—from classroom teacher to district leader. Eventually, he made history as the district’s first African American superintendent.

His long-standing dedication to students and learning inspired many in the community. His leadership helped create new opportunities and a stronger culture of inclusion in the school system.

Filmmaker Inspired by Colbert’s Legacy

The man behind the camera is Mike Day, founder of Dayvision, a film company started in 2019. Day created the film to honor Colbert’s achievements and uplift Black voices in education and storytelling.

Day said he was moved to take on this project after speaking with Colbert and his daughter. While Colbert was modest about the idea, his daughter encouraged the filmmaker to move forward. “She was so confident… ‘He will say yes, and we’ll help you do it,’” Day recalled.

A Personal Touch Behind the Scenes

To make the film more authentic, Day collected stories from Colbert’s family, friends, and colleagues. His team also traveled to Colbert’s hometown to understand his roots and values better.

One of the most touching moments came when Day met Colbert’s mother. Though she was very ill and spoke little, she made her feelings clear. “One of the things she got out so clearly was that she loved, John,” said Day. She passed away shortly before the film’s release.

A Tribute That Educates and Inspires

The documentary began filming in the summer of 2023 and premiered in late November of that year. The film stands as a tribute not only to Colbert’s career but to the power of education and community support.

With this feature, Day not only highlights Colbert’s influence but also shows the impact one person can have over generations. It’s a must-see for anyone who values education, leadership, and the importance of representation.