Neshoba: The Price of Freedom tells the story of a Mississippi town still divided about the meaning of justice, 40 years after the murders of civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner. In the summer of 1964, these three young men, two whites from New York and a black from Mississippi — went to Philadelphia, a small town in the heart of Neshoba County, to register black voters and investigate a church burning.

When their bodies were found 44 days later buried beneath an earthen dam, many people rationalized the men came looking for trouble and got what they deserved. For more than forty years, Mississippi refused to prosecute any of the Klansmen directly responsible for the murders, even though they bragged openly about what they did.  While the killers continued to live and prosper, most townspeople remained silent, as if the murders never happened.

Neshoba takes an unflinching look at ordinary citizens struggling to find peace with their town’s violent, racist past. By interweaving new and archival footage, the 87-minute documentary paints a picture of Neshoba County from 1964 to 2005, using the Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner case as a barometer of what has changed for both blacks and whites since the murders.

The film examines the complicity of local, state and federal government who deliberately fanned the flames of hate and violence. It questions why the State took four decades to seek justice, and why only one person was singled out when at least eight others who participated in the murders are still alive. Finally, the film explores whether the prosecution of one unrepentant Klansman constitutes justice and whether healing and reconciliation are possible without telling the unvarnished truth.

Magpie and Kim & Reggie Harris will perform live before the showing for 20 minutes and a Q&A will follow the film.

co-sponsored by Proctors and 8th Step

Ticket Price: $10