Top 20 Movies Based on True Stories
14. Great Debaters
Facing racial divides and stereotypes, Tolson formed the first student debate team for Wiley College in Texas, breaking barriers and challenging the Harvard debate team for the national championship.
Tolson fought against Jim Crow laws, getting the school into competitions against white colleges despite the opposition to do so. It’s a great story that shows the very real struggle of blacks in Texas in the 1930’s.
The Great Debaters is an important historical piece that outlines the struggles for black college students to gain the same respect in the academic world as their white counterparts.
Full of racism, sexism, violence and more, this movie is a true account of the life of Melvin Tolson and his experience as a professor during a very tumultuous time in history. Tolson fought hard for equality for his black students and wouldn’t give up until his debate team was able to compete against other schools throughout the country.
Produced by Oprah Winfrey and her production company Harpo Studios, the film hit theaters December 25, 2007.
Wiley College is finally able to debate against ivy league school, Harvard University.
