BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – WKU PBS presented “Jonesville: When Sunflowers Fall” on Sunday, a documentary that showcases the legacy of Jonesville, once a vibrant Black community in Bowling Green.

Black American soldiers who fought risked their lives and used their army pension money to purchase land and establish what became known as Jonesville, said David Greer, a producer of the film.

In the 1960s, the community was forced out by the development of WKU.

Descendants share community’s story

Some of the producers of the film are descendants of the Jonesville community, including Akisa Townsend Eaton, whose mother grew up there and helped bring the story to life.

“It’s worth it to come every time and to share that story, to have that community dialogue and to make sure that we’re remembering a very important part of our history and we’re acknowledging the ways that we can respond today,” Eaton said.

Some former Jonesville residents attended the showing.

According to Greer, the story holds important lessons today.

“This film helps us better think and understand the society, the economy, the political economy, the world we live in today,” Greer said. “It helps us to look at, to find the truth, to understand the truth, to analyze it. And the better we can understand what has happened with communities like Jonesville, the better we can critically analyze and understand what’s happening in the world around us today.”

One message the producers hope viewers can learn from the film is to preserve history and build stronger communities.

“I hope that they took away the importance of learning about and preserving community history, ways to dialogue with neighbors so that we can all succeed and thrive in the communities that we live in,” Eaton said.

“Jonesville: When Sunflowers Fall” is free and on demand.

Copyright 2026 WBKO. All rights reserved.