Roslyn Pioneer Movie Trailer

Our film uncovers a pivotal yet largely untold chapter in American history—the arrival of 300 Black miners to Roslyn, Washington, between 1888 and 1889. Recruited under false pretenses by coal company agent Jim Sheppardson, these men unknowingly stepped into a volatile labor strike, igniting racial and social tensions in a town already shaped by an ethnically diverse but divided workforce. At its core, this docuseries explores the complex relationship between race and economics—how those in power manipulate divisions to maintain control and serve their financial interests. Through a compelling blend of dramatic reenactments, expert interviews, and archival materials, we expose the deeper forces at play, revealing a story of exploitation, resilience, and the pursuit of dignity in an America that thrived on racial and economic inequities. Told through the lense of Jim Sheppardson, the film re-examines the decisions that shaped Roslyn’s fate and the Black miners’ fight for survival.