Can people change? Can we? Can you? Can they? The dramatized movie, “The Best of Enemies,“ is based upon a true Durham, NC story. Bet you can’t watch and not follow up on the history of the two main characters, Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis. Maybe Congress needs to watch this and learn how to work together.

Released in 2019, The Best of Enemies, is “the true story of the unlikely relationship of Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader. During the racially charged summer of 1971, Atwater and Ellis come together to co-chair a community summit on the desegregation of schools in Durham, N.C. The ensuing debate and battle soon lead to surprising revelations that change both of their lives forever.” The movie can currently be streamed free on the Plex app, is available on some cable stations, and on DVD at the Rowan County Public Library.

Read more about the unlikely alliance that grew between these two people in the links to their obituaries.

Obituary of Ann Atwater – https://www.wunc.org/politics/2016-06-21/ann-atwater-durham-civil-rights-activist-dies-at-80

Obituary of CP Ellis – https://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/nov/18/guardianobituaries.usa#:~:text=His%20friendship%20with%20Atwater%20continued,three%20sons%20and%20a%20daughter.

The book, The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South by Osha Gray Davidson is available at the Rowan County Public Library.