Meet the Crew

The documentary team behind The Legacy Lives On brings together passionate storytellers, researchers, and media professionals committed to honoring the history of Susie G. Gibson High School. With deep ties to the community and a shared dedication to historical preservation, this talented crew is capturing voices, curating memories, and producing a film that reflects the spirit, strength, and legacy of a remarkable institution.

Executive Director

Ghislaine Lewis, Ph.D.

Dr. Ghislaine Lewis is an associate professor of Communication Studies at the University of Lynchburg, where she also teaches Africana Studies. With a deep passion for storytelling and preserving the legacies of African American communities, Dr. Lewis is dedicated to bringing these narratives to life through her teaching, research, and advocacy.

As the first executive director of the Pierce Street Gateway and a founding member of the Pierce Street Community Garden, Dr. Lewis has actively contributed to preserving and celebrating African American heritage in her local community.

Driven by her love for travel and the transformative power of storytelling, Dr. Lewis’s work bridges cultures and histories, connecting her students and audiences with rich, untold stories from around the globe.

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Producer

Onel Sanford-Belle, MBA

Onel Sanford-Belle is a Los Angeles-based seasoned media and communications professional specializing in documentary direction and script development. As founder of Sanford-Belle Presents and principal of ElShaFord Productions, she has led award-winning projects across the Caribbean and diaspora. Her background spans journalism, television production, and strategic communications, including major initiatives with the OECS and Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Onel holds an MBA in Media Leadership, a diploma in Producing from the New York Film Academy, and is a member of the International Documentary Association.

2020. Susie G. Gibson High School 3-9-20 back side intersection of original building and 1

Cinematographer

Coming Soon

Bio coming soon....