Mississippi Steps Into 21st Century with a Non-Segregated Prom

It’s staggering that this is a story being told in 2009.  More than 10 years ago, actor Morgan Freeman offered to pay for a high school prom in Mississippi if the school board and parents agreed to integrate black and white students for the event.  Freeman was ignored, and the white prom and black prom continued for another decade.  A Canadian film director was wrapping up a documentary shoot in the Magnolia State and got wind of segregrated proms still happening.  He called Freeman and asked if his offer was still on the table.

The film documents the high school’s transition into integration and profiles the courage of young people.

Prom Night in Mississippi airs tonight on HBO.

CNN’s Campbell Brown interviews two of the students here.