The Bedrock
of Hayti

Who are you, and what is this film?

My name is Christopher C. Fisher. I am the director of The Bedrock of Hayti, a documentary that explores the legacy of White Rock Baptist Church and the life and work of Reverend Dr. Miles Mark Fisher in Durham, North Carolina.

Why this film? Why now?

I made this film because Hayti represents a powerful example of what Black community-building looks like at its highest level. It wasn't just a neighborhood — it was a system of faith, education, business, and leadership working together. Reverend Dr. Miles Mark Fisher was central to that. He was a pastor, but also a scholar and intellectual who understood the importance of building institutions that could sustain a community across generations.

This film feels especially important now because we are in a moment where people are asking deeper questions about history, displacement, and preservation. Hayti offers a blueprint — and I wanted to document that story in a way that honors its depth and complexity.

What do you hope viewers take from it?

I want viewers to understand that communities like Hayti didn't just happen — they were built with intention. I hope the film encourages people to think about preservation beyond just physical spaces. It's also about memory, legacy, and making sure these stories are told accurately and with care. If it sparks conversations about protecting historic Black institutions, supporting local communities, or even inspiring people to learn more about their own history — then the film is doing what it's supposed to do.

Where can audiences learn more?

Audiences can follow my work through Oxford Row Media, where I focus on documentary film, photography, and archival storytelling centered on Southern Black history, culture, and intergenerational legacy. I'm continuing to build projects that explore the intersection of faith, community, and cultural memory.