The Color of Friendship is a 2000 television film directed by Kevin Hooks and starring Lindsey Haun and Shadia Simmons. The film explores racism and prejudice in 1970s America through the true story of two girls – Mahree Bok, a white South African exchange student, and Piper Dellums, an African American congressman’s daughter. Their friendship challenges the racial divides of the time. So is The Color of Friendship based on a true story? Let’s examine the facts behind this thought-provoking film.
The Real Mahree and Piper
Yes, The Color of Friendship is based on a true story about the real friendship between Mahree Bok and Piper Dellums in the 1970s. Mahree was a South African teen who came to live with the Dellums family in Washington D.C. through an exchange program. The daughter of a racist South African ambassador, Mahree held prejudiced views about black people until she stayed with the Dellums and got to know Piper. The two girls bonded despite their differences and Mahree’s perspective on race dramatically changed. Their inspiring story of friendship crossing the color line showed how positive human connections can overcome prejudice.
Background on the Real Mahree Bok
In 1977, Mahree Bok was a 17-year-old white South African teen whose father served as the apartheid South African ambassador to the United States. Due to the racist apartheid system in South Africa at the time, Mahree held ignorant, prejudiced views about black people. As part of an exchange program sponsored by the 4-H Club, Mahree came to live with U.S. Congressman Ron Dellums, who was black, and his family in Washington D.C. This included Dellums’ 15-year-old daughter Piper.
Background on the Real Piper Dellums
Piper Dellums was the daughter of progressive Congressman Ron Dellums, who was one of the first African American congressmen elected in California since Reconstruction. Due to her father’s work, Piper was aware of racial injustice from a young age. She attended integrated schools in California and Washington D.C. and had friends of different races. Still, Piper was initially upset that a girl from racist South Africa was going to stay with her family.
Mahree and Piper’s Story
At first, both girls were wary of each other due to their vastly different backgrounds. However, Mahree soon realized that the racist views about black people she had grown up with in South Africa were wrong. Spending time with Piper and her loving family opened Mahree’s eyes to how false stereotypes were. She and Piper bonded over their shared teen experiences like talking about boys and clothes. Mahree’s attitudes about race began to transform through her friendship with Piper.
Lasting Impact on Mahree
Mahree’s life was profoundly changed through knowing Piper and her family. When she returned to South Africa, Mahree was determined to fight the discrimination of apartheid. She went on to become an anti-apartheid activist who worked to bring racial reconciliation and equality to South Africa. Mahree credited her life-changing friendship with Piper as what inspired her to see beyond prejudices and work for justice. Their story was featured on TV programs like 60 Minutes.
Positive Message
The true story of Mahree Bok and Piper Dellums’ friendship carried an uplifting message about overcoming prejudice. It showed how meaningful interracial connections can break down harmful barriers between groups. Mahree and Piper’s story demonstrated the power of love over ignorance. Their unlikely bond inspired people to see beyond race. This truthful story highlighted how positive change can come when we open our eyes to understand each other.
Accuracy of The Color of Friendship
The film The Color of Friendship aimed to depict Mahree and Piper’s real story accurately. It was based closely on Mahree’s own accounts and input from the real Dellums family. Of course, some small details and timelines were dramatized or changed for film purposes. But overall, the movie captured the core true story of how Mahree and Piper’s friendship overcame prejudice. The protagonists and circumstances were based on real people and events.
Inspiring True Story
At its heart, The Color of Friendship told an uplifting true story of connection across racial divides. Mahree and Piper’s real life bond showed how building relationships with openness can break down ingrained societal prejudices. This incredible story of friendship from 1970s America can inspire people still today. It carries a vital message of hope that when we see our shared humanity beyond preconceptions, we can build a more just world.
Conclusion
The 2000 film The Color of Friendship brought Mahree and Piper’s inspiring real life story of friendship to the screen. While some details were adjusted, the movie captured the core true story of how two teen girls – one white South African, one African American – bonded deeply despite their vastly different backgrounds. Their real friendship defied prejudice and had a profound impact, especially on Mahree. This moving true story from 1970s America can speak to audiences today about overcoming racism through openness and human connection. At its heart, Mahree and Piper’s friendship represents the power and possibility of overcoming even deeply ingrained societal divides when we open our minds.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1977 | Mahree Bok arrives from South Africa to stay with the Dellums family |
| 1977 | Mahree and Piper become friends despite their differences |
| 1977 | Mahree’s attitudes about race change after befriending Piper |
| After 1977 | Mahree becomes an anti-apartheid activist in South Africa |
| 2000 | The Color of Friendship movie releases, based on true story |
