Announcing Our New Documentary Film Project!

Beloved Community Cville is pleased to announce that we’ve launched production of a new documentary film about Charlottesville's hidden history -- the deep roots, the struggles, and the resilience. This new film will offer a unique look at our city's complex past, seen through the lens of a remarkable woman's life story. 

Sarah Kelley is an 85-year-old activist and faith leader raised in Charlottesville, whose family lineage traces back to enslavement here. Throughout her life, she has made an extraordinary impact through her tireless fight for equity and the transformative power of her ministry. She charted new territory by becoming the first Black woman to hold many positions, ensuring that those opportunities would be available for those behind her. Her story embodies courage, perseverance, and hope, as well as an illuminating perspective on our city’s darker past.

Beloved Community Cville has commissioned Field Studio to produce the film and we recently completed our first day of filming. Field Studio is an Emmy-award-winning production company known for creating documentary films and media at the intersection of history and social justice. We are hoping to have the documentary finished by this summer. Stay tuned for updates!

Thanks to all of you who have donated to support this exciting project. We're still not quite at our fundraising goal yet and are in need of more support. Please help us to bring this film fully to fruition!
We’re a multi-racial group of people who came together around a common mission:
​to shine the light of truth on our community’s history.
The Beloved Community Cville Tour is made possible in part by Virginia Humanities
​ and the Democracy Initiative’s Memory Project at the University of Virginia.
We partner with Light House Studio in creating videos for the tour sites. 

Support Us!

Donate Online
​​Online donations are made through Virginia Organizing by clicking the button below.
​Please be sure to designate it for "Beloved Community Cville"
*Virginia Organizing is officially registered with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209.  
​You can write to this Department for all relevant financial statements and procedures regarding the solicitation of contributions.
Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The Beloved Community Cville Tour is made possible in part by Virginia Humanities
​ and the Democracy Initiative’s Memory Project at the University of Virginia.
We partner with Light House Studio in creating videos for the tour sites.