The Best of Enemies tells the true story of the unlikely friendship between Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis. Ann was a civil rights activist who fought for racial equality in Durham, North Carolina, in 1971. C.P. was a local Ku Klux Klan leader and a white supremacist. Together, they faced off in a series of heated debates that ultimately brought about a desegregation of the local schools. It was the start of a remarkable friendship that would last until their deaths in 2005, a friendship that changed the course of history.
The film, directed by Robin Bissell, stars Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell as Ann and C.P. It is based on the book The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South by Osha Gray Davidson. The movie was released in 2019 and received mostly positive reviews.
The Backstory
The story begins in 1971, when a court order was issued for the desegregation of Durham’s public schools. The city was divided over the issue, with Ann Atwater leading the pro-desegregation forces and C.P. Ellis leading the opposition. To settle the dispute, a series of debates were held, with Ann and C.P. going head-to-head. What happened next was truly extraordinary.
The two were unable to come to an agreement and the debates ended without a resolution. However, something remarkable happened during that time. Ann and C.P. found common ground and began to understand one another. Despite their seemingly insurmountable differences, the two developed a deep respect and friendship.
The Aftermath
After the debates, the court order was upheld and the schools were desegregated. Ann and C.P. remained friends for the rest of their lives, and their story has been an inspiration for people all over the world. It is a story of redemption and hope, and of the power of understanding and forgiveness.
The Best of Enemies is an important reminder of how far we have come in the struggle for civil rights, and of how much further we still have to go. Ann and C.P.’s story is a testament to the power of love and understanding, and a reminder that we can all find common ground if we are willing to try.
The Legacy
Ann and C.P.’s story has been an inspiration to many, and it has been retold in the form of books, documentaries, and now a feature-length film. Their story is an example of what is possible when two people from different backgrounds come together and find common ground. It is a story of hope and understanding, and a reminder that we can all make a difference if we are willing to try.
Conclusion
The Best of Enemies is a powerful film that tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between a civil rights activist and a white supremacist. It is a story of redemption and understanding, and a reminder of how far we have come in the struggle for civil rights. Ann and C.P.’s story is an example of what is possible when two people from different backgrounds come together and find common ground. It is a story of hope and understanding, and a reminder that we can all make a difference if we are willing to try.
