Beyond Banners

ABOUT THE FILM

Formed during school integration and rebuilt through grief, Beyond Banners™ tells the true story of Gwynn Park High, a program shaped by mentorship, sacrifice, and legacy.

Beyond Banners™ is a feature documentary, also being adapted into a 3-part docuseries for streaming platforms and distribution. Both versions will be ready in 2026.

CREATIVE TEAM

The Beyond Banners™ team brings experience from Amazon, Netflix, and Apple TV.

Andre Jackson – Director/Producer, brings storytelling experience from Amazon.

Sue O’Hora – Associate Director/Producer, credits include When Wire Was King.

Everett Ray – Director of Photography known for bold, emotional visual storytelling.

Jeremy Zunk – Sound Mixer with work featured on HBO and PBS.

Barrinton Baynes – Digital Curator specializing in archival preservation.

FEATURED VOICES

Tubby Smith

Randolph Childress

Dr. Ida E. Jones

Hall of Fame coach Tubby Smith shares what it was like to compete against Gwynn Park and why the program earned his respect.

Dr. Ida E. Jones

Randolph Childress

Dr. Ida E. Jones

Historian and author Dr. Ida E. Jones connects Gwynn Park’s rise to the fight for racial equity, linking sports to integration, society, and community.

Randolph Childress

ACC legend Randolph Childress reflects on the mentorship at Gwynn Park that helped shape his journey from state champion to first-round NBA draft pick.

Neil Greenberger

Randolph Childress

Former Washington Post editor Neil Greenberger recalls Gwynn Park’s 1996 title run and how their rise surprised the region.

Lou Wilson

Neil Greenberger

Lou Wilson

Ranked fifth all time in Maryland high school basketball wins, Lou Wilson reflects on the fierce “Battle of 301” rivalry between Douglass and Gwynn Park.

Championship Coaches

Tim Carney (1968)
Larry Gandee (1969, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1980)
Owen Johnson Sr. (1983)
George Leftwich (1987, 1988)

Larry Gandee

Championship Coaches

Coached Gwynn Park for 12 years. Led the program to eight state title games and won six state championships. Inducted into the Glenville State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Howard Matthews

Spent over three decades mentoring young athletes in Brandywine, Maryland. As co-founder of the Brandywine Recreational Council, he helped shape generations of future Gwynn Park student-athletes.

Steve Matthews

Howard Matthews

The youngest son of Howard, Steve coached Gwynn Park for 14 seasons, leading the school to six state title appearances, and the school’s first number one Washington Post ranking.

I LIVED THIS STORY…

I was coached by Steve Matthews. I saw the wins and the quiet pride that came with being a Yellow Jacket. I watched teammates earn scholarships and make deep tournament runs, but few outside our community noticed.

I graduated from Gwynn Park in 1998. Years later, I realized our basketball legacy had been overlooked. No one else was going to tell the story, so I had to.

This is more than a film. I’m walking in my life purpose.

It’s my way of honoring history and leaving something to inspire future generations.

SYNOPSIS