Uploaded June 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In 1966 NBC News broadcast a daring documentary on race relation in the South called "Mississippi: A Self Portrait". The U.S. had passed landmark civil rights legislation less than two years earlier. The film spotlighted the views of the white population concerning race in the Mississippi Delta town of Greenwood. This excerpt from the documentary features a scene with a local African-American waiter named Booker Wright, who speaks openly on camera about his position serving the local white community. He paid a price for his honesty. After the documentary was broadcast the fallout for Booker Wright was severe. He lost his job, was assaulted and was ostracized by many in the town for speaking out.
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In 1966 NBC News broadcast a daring documentary on race relation in the South called "Mississippi: A Self Portrait". The U.S. had passed landmark civil rights legislation less than two years earlier. The film spotlighted the views of the white population concerning race in the Mississippi Delta town of Greenwood. This excerpt from the documentary features a scene with a local African-American waiter named Booker Wright, who speaks openly on camera about his position serving the local white community. He paid a price for his honesty. After the documentary was broadcast the fallout for Booker Wright was severe. He lost his job, was assaulted and was ostracized by many in the town for speaking out.
Go to NBCUniversalArchives.com to license any portion of this video.
Like Us on Facebook.com/NBCUArchives
Follow us on Twitter.com/NBCUArchives
