Cole: Bridge to Justice is a feature-length documentary that traces the remarkable journey of Dr. Donald R. Cole — from his pivotal role as one of the “Ole Miss Eight” challenging segregation at the University of Mississippi to his emergence as a national advocate for education, equity, and justice.
In 1970, as the Civil Rights Movement reshaped the American South, Dr. Cole and seven fellow Black students stood at the forefront of campus activism, demanding equity and inclusion in the face of entrenched resistance. Expelled for his protest and sent to Parchman State Penitentiary, Cole’s personal sacrifices became a catalyst for broader conversations about race, access, and belonging in higher education.
The film follows Dr. Cole’s evolution — from an impassioned student activist to a distinguished scholar, educator, and leader whose work has expanded opportunities for Black students and scholars across the academy and beyond. Through archival footage, candid interviews, and powerful storytelling, Cole: Bridge to Justice reflects on the enduring challenges and triumphs of the struggle for civil rights, offering audiences an intimate portrait of courage, resilience, and the long arc of justice.
By centering Dr. Cole’s lived experience, the documentary invites viewers to consider how grassroots activism fuels systemic change and what it means to build bridges toward greater equity in our communities today.
Film Festival Selection and Awards
Oxford Film Festival 2026 – Opening Night Film
Lightreel Film Festival 2026– Best Documentary Film
Upcoming Screenings
| June 13, 2026 | Winona, MS | Montgomery County Performing Arts Center | 2 pm – 4 pm |
| July 18, 2026 | Bruce, MS | Square Theatre, Community Theatre | 2 pm – 4 pm |
| August 8, 2026 | New Albany, MS | Oak Grove Life Center | 2 pm – 4 pm |
| August 15, 2026 | Holly Springs, MS | The Depot | 2 pm – 4 pm |
| August 16, 2026 | Jackson, MS | Two Mississippi Museums | 2 pm – 4 pm |
| September 11, 2026 | Columbus, MS | Columbus Arts Council | 6 pm – 8 pm |
Past Screenings
Oxford, MS – Oxford Film Festival
Oxford, MS – University of Mississippi
Washington, DC – Lightreel Film Festival
Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area
Film Screening & Discussion
Thanks for funding from the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area, Cole: Bridge to Justice will be screened in 5 communities. All screenings will be offered free of charge, and the screening will be followed by a discussion with filmmakers and individuals connected to the production of the film.
Seating is limited, and tickets can be reserved online.
Press
Film Credits
Production Company
Antonio Tarrell Films & Sweet Soil Narratives
Produced & Directed By
Antonio Tarrell
Castel V. Sweet
Executive Producers
Steven T. & Gay Case
Antonio Tarrell
Featuring
Donald R. Cole, PhD
Associate Producers
Donna Ruth Roberts
Kristian Joy Karlson
Cinematographer & Editor
Antonio Tarrell
In Order of Appearance
Steven Case, PhD
Donald R. Cole, PhD
Rev Duncan Gray lll
Ansley Abraham, PhD
Robert Khayat, JD
April Grayson
Fred Laurenzo
Maurice Eftink, PhD
Andrea (Andi) Cooper
Earnestine Sisk
Linda Cole Williamson
Lawrence Anderson
Ralph Eubanks
Linnie Liggins Willis
Theron Evans, Jr., MD
Curtis Wilkie
Robert E. Luckett, Jr., PhD
Jerry Townsend
Kenneth Mayfield
John James
Patsy Brumfield
Robert “Bob” Mozt
John Brittain, JD
Jackie Roberts Ammons
Vicki Roberts-Ratliff
Ethel Young-Scurlock,
Judy Meredith
Roselyn E. Williams, PhD
Murrell Godfrey, PhD
Latrice Johnson
James Reid, PhD
Morris Stocks, PhD
Scott Coopwood
Gloria Kellum, SLPD
Susan M. Glisson, PhD
Dan Jones, MD
Larry Martindale
Sound
Jordan Wadley
Audio Mixer
Antonio Tarrell Films
Additional Camera Operators
Castel V. Sweet
Darrell Doss
Production Manager
Steven T. Case
Location Acknowledgements
Burns-Belfry Museum, Oxford, MS
Coopwood Communications, Cleveland, MS
Council of Federated Organizations Civil Rights Education Center, Jackson, MS
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL
James H. Meredith Museum and Bible Society, Jackson, MS
Mayfield Law Firm, P.A., Tupelo, MS
Southern Regional Education Board, Atlanta,GA
St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Oxford, MS
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS: Fulton Chapel, Lyceum, Barnard Observatory, Coulter Hall, Hume Hall, Lamar Hall, Main Campus
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
Special Thanks
Andy Harper
Black Power at Ole Miss Task Force
Brad Gray
Brian Rutledge
Jo Ann O’Quin & Ken McGraw
Ralph Eubanks
Ronald L. Williams
Ryan M. Whittigton
Shelia Howard Baker
Wayne Andrews
Community Partners
Oxford Film Festival
Yoknapatawpha Arts Council
With Support From
Steven & Gay Case
Donna Ruth Roberts
Kristina Joy Carlson
R&B Feder Charitable Foundation for the Beaux-Arts
Helen Overstreet
Dr. and Mrs. Maurice Eftink
Dr. Roselyn Williams
Ron Baker
Marcia & Don Cole
Dr. Ansley Abraham
Dr. Gloria Kellum
Special Thanks To
Marcia Cole
Partners and Supports
