Jasper, Texas

This extraordinary true drama, set in the small town of Jasper, TX in 1998, explores the aftermath of the horrible death of James Byrd, Jr., the African- American who was dragged to his death by three white men. An outraged nation watched as the white sheriff, played convincingly by Jon Voight, and the first black mayor of Jasper, played by Louis Gossett, Jr. struggle to maintain control of their town and their personal emotions. Jasper, Texas is a shocking reminder of the racial tension that still exists today. (Verleiher-Text)