BLACK IN 828

Highlighting the Voices, Businesses, and Stories That Deserve to Be Seen

Black in 828 is a student-led storytelling initiative created through the My P.E. Kids Film & Media Academy. The project is designed to shine a spotlight on Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, community leaders, artists, and organizations throughout the 828 region of Western North Carolina.

Many small businesses work tirelessly to serve their communities but often do not receive the same level of media exposure, marketing resources, or public recognition as larger organizations. As a result, many incredible businesses and community leaders remain overlooked despite the impact they make every day.

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Through Black in 828, students become journalists, filmmakers, and storytellers by documenting the people, businesses, and organizations that help shape our communities. Students conduct interviews, capture professional video footage, create short documentaries, and produce feature stories that celebrate the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and leaders throughout the region.

This initiative serves two important purposes. First, it provides valuable exposure for local businesses by sharing their stories, missions, and community impact. Second, it gives students real-world experience in journalism, filmmaking, interviewing, editing, and media production while teaching them the importance of preserving community history and culture.

Black in 828 is more than a video series—it is a platform for visibility, representation, and connection. By highlighting local success stories, we hope to inspire future entrepreneurs, strengthen community pride, support local economic growth, and ensure that these stories are documented for generations to come.

Every business has a story.

Every entrepreneur has a journey.
Every community has voices worth hearing.

Black in 828 exists to make sure those voices are seen, heard, and celebrated.