In the middle of the story, outspoken African American activist Medgar Evers is assassinated near Jackson. The magnitude of this incident is a turning point in Civil Rights activism in the US and in this

story. The date was June 12^th, 1963. Medgar Evers lived in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. He was well educated and had an outstanding military career. His life had been threatened several times prior to the murder due to his support of Civil Rights activism including an end to segregation.  Evers was murdered in cold blood, outside his home by a man who was a member of the White Citizens ‘Council. The murder took place hours after a nationally televised speech by President Kennedy, in support of civil rights. Despite being nationally mourned and buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, two trials were held in Mississippi with all white juries and no guilty verdict reached. The murderer went on to join the Klu Klux Klan and was not convicted of the murder until a new trial was held 30 years later. This incident illustrates the very difficult and dangerous circumstances faced by anyone attempting to support, much less establish equality and civil rights in the South at this time in American history. It poignantly depicts the bravery of the women in this movie.

“The Help” is a truly inspiring story about the ability to create change; the bonds of love and friendship that unite people to do extraordinary things under the most challenging circumstances. The movie is at times heart wrenching, humorous and shocking.  The cast, screenwriting and directing truly move this story from one that might otherwise have been a bit too sweet or contrived and maudlin to something much deeper and more personal.

M Romano