The film is based on the true story of the 1994 trial of Byron De La Beckwith (played by James Woods), a white supremacist who was charged with the 1963 murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers (played by James Pickens Jr.) in Jackson, Mississippi.
The story unfolds as Bobby DeLaughter (played by Alec Baldwin), a white assistant district attorney, takes on the case decades after Evers’ assassination. With the help of Evers’ widow, Myrlie Evers (played by Whoopi Goldberg), and a dedicated team of prosecutors, DeLaughter seeks to bring De La Beckwith to justice and secure a conviction for the murder.
As the trial progresses, DeLaughter faces numerous challenges and obstacles, including threats from white supremacists and resistance from members of the community who are reluctant to reopen old wounds. Despite these challenges, DeLaughter remains determined to see justice served and honor Evers’ memory.
In the climax of the film, De La Beckwith is finally brought to trial, and Myrlie Evers delivers a powerful testimony about her late husband’s legacy and the impact of his murder on her family and the civil rights movement. With overwhelming evidence against him, De La Beckwith is ultimately found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
In the aftermath of the trial, DeLaughter reflects on the significance of the case and the importance of confronting the legacy of racism and injustice in America. Myrlie Evers finds closure and a sense of justice for her husband’s murder, while De La Beckwith’s conviction serves as a landmark victory in the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
“Ghosts of Mississippi” is praised for its powerful performances, compelling storytelling, and poignant exploration of race, justice, and reconciliation in America. It serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the civil rights movement and the ongoing fight for equality and justice for all.