Courting the Dream - A Documentary Film

Donald Rayne Mitchell / Executive Producer, Director / info@courtingthedream.com / 215.651.4280

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They Didn't
just get to the
mountaintop.

They took
an entire city
with them.

In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream of racial equality. A better world for all of us. Five years later, his assassination in Memphis seemed to shatter that dream. But in 1973, a basketball team from that same city would reignite hope.

Courting the Dream tells the story of a city still reeling from the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., grappling with racial tensions and the painful process of integration. Against this backdrop of turmoil and hope, the Memphis State Tigers men's basketball team emerges as an unlikely symbol of unity, challenging the city's divisions on their improbable journey to the NCAA Championship game.

1963

Today, as we continue to strive for equality and justice, the Tigers' story reminds us that progress often comes from unexpected places. By telling their tale now, we honor King's legacy, celebrate those who kept his dream alive, and inspire new generations to carry it forward.

1973

The story of Larry Finch and the Memphis State Tigers resonates 50 years later, highlighting the enduring impact of significant moments and decisions in people's lives. Unlike other cities, Memphis rallies around its history, exemplified by the lasting legacy of the Grizzlies and the ongoing conversations about Finch's contributions. Even after his passing, the narrative evolves, reinforcing the idea that individual actions matter profoundly. This tale emphasizes how sports can serve as a unifying force in a city grappling with divisions, showcasing the power of personal choices in shaping a community's identity and healing.

2024

This isn't just Memphis history – it's American history, as relevant and urgent today as it was 50 years ago.