Booker's Place: A Mississippi Story

Booker's Place: A Mississippi Story is a powerful documentary film that chronicles the life of Booker Wright, an African-American waiter who lived and worked in Greenwood, Mississippi during the height of the civil rights movement. Directed by Raymond De Felitta, the film explores the life and legacy of Wright through interviews with those who knew him best, including his daughter, Yvette Johnson, and a prominent civil rights activist, Hodding Carter III.

The film begins by introducing viewers to Wright, who was known for providing excellent service and a warm smile to customers at Lusco's Restaurant, a popular dining spot in Greenwood. Despite being well-liked by customers, Wright faced constant discrimination and harassment from white employers and customers, who viewed African-Americans as inferior beings. Wright's experiences of racism and oppression are highlighted through interviews with individuals who witnessed his struggles firsthand.

One of the most poignant moments in the film comes when Wright is interviewed by Frank De Felitta for a documentary on regional cuisine. In the interview, Wright speaks candidly about his experiences of racial discrimination, poverty, and injustice in the Deep South, despite the risk of losing his job and facing further persecution. Wright's honesty and courage in the face of danger provide a powerful message of resilience and hope for the film's audience.

Booker's Place: A Mississippi Story also explores the impact of Wright's legacy on his daughter, Yvette Johnson, and the wider community. Through interviews with Johnson, the film reveals the profound emotional toll that her father's activism and outspokenness exacted on his family, particularly in light of his murder by a white supremacist group in 1973. The film is a moving portrait of a family's struggle to come to terms with the legacy of racism and violence in America and the courage it takes to stand up against injustice.

In addition to exploring the life and legacy of Booker Wright, the film also delves into broader issues related to the civil rights movement and racial inequality in America. The film highlights the important role that African-American waiters and other service workers played in advancing the cause of civil rights, particularly in the Deep South. The film's powerful message of unity and solidarity offers an inspiring call to action for viewers, particularly those who are committed to fighting for social justice.

Overall, Booker's Place: A Mississippi Story is a thought-provoking and inspiring documentary that offers a compelling portrait of a courageous individual who stood up against oppression and injustice in the Deep South. With its powerful message of resilience and hope, the film is an important contribution to the history of the civil rights movement and a testament to the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.