Hoxie: The View from the Other Side
Documentary Film Project
Your charitable contribution directly supports film creation, public screenings, and community engagement.
A Story That Can't Wait
Before the eyes of the nation turned to Little Rock, Hoxie quietly led the way. As one of the first schools in the South to desegregate, Hoxie’s bold stand helped shape the federal government’s response to school integration. The legal battle that followed drew in the Department of Justice, marking its first involvement in the Brown v. Board of Education decision—a step Hoxie never intended but was forced to take. The case set a crucial precedent, weakening Jim Crow segregation laws and laying the legal groundwork for future efforts to enforce Brown v. Board of Education.
In 1955, more than 20 Black students walked through the doors of the all-white Hoxie High School. One of those students—Ms. Ethel Tompkins— went on to be the first African-American graduate of Hoxie High School.
Her white classmate, Ms. Frances Weir Green, saw integration unfold from a different perspective. Nearly 70 years later, they are still here, still fighting to ensure this history isn’t erased.
But time is running out. If we don’t preserve their firsthand accounts now, this chapter of American history—and its lessons—could disappear forever.
Why This Film Matters
This documentary isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about learning from it to build a stronger, more connected future.
Hoxie’s integration story is still little known beyond those who lived it. Ms. Ethel and Ms. Frances are among the last who can share firsthand accounts. If we don’t capture their voices now, these powerful memories could be lost forever.
This film will bring their untold story to life through:
✔ Intimate interviews with two of the last living witnesses to a pivotal moment in civil rights history. Ms. Ethel and Ms. Frances know what really happened—and soon, no one else will.
✔ Powerful archival footage that transports us back to the front lines of history, revealing what newspapers and history books left out.
✔ Stirring reenactments that allow us to walk through the doors of Hoxie High School once more—to stand where they stood, feel what they felt, and experience their journey in a way that only high-quality filmmaking can make possible.
This may be our only chance to capture this history. We can’t wait.
How You Can Help
Capturing the invaluable stories of Ms. Ethel and Ms. Frances is a race against time. Your support at this critical juncture will ensure these narratives are preserved for future generations.
💌 All donors, regardless of amount, will receive a heartfelt, handwritten thank-you note from Ms. Ethel and Ms. Frances, expressing their appreciation.
We have established tiered giving levels to fully realize this documentary project, ensuring that Ms. Ethel and Ms. Frances' stories are told with the depth, care, and high-quality filmmaking they deserve. The total estimated cost for these films is $50,000–$75,000, covering professional production, post-production, and outreach to bring their voices to a wide audience.
Giving Levels
Bronze Tier – $500
Recognition on our website and social media platforms
Your name featured in the “Special Thanks” section of the film credits
Silver Tier – $1,000
All Bronze benefits
Invitation to a virtual Q&A session with the filmmakers and central figures in the film
Gold Tier – $5,000
All Silver benefits
Two tickets to the film’s premiere screening event
A commemorative poster signed by the cast and crew
Platinum Tier – $10,000
All Gold benefits
Executive Producer credit in the film
Private dinner with Ms. Ethel, Ms. Frances, and the filmmaking team
Your support ensures that this history is preserved and shared with the world. Thank you for being part of this mission!
In-Kind Contributions
We understand that support comes in many forms. In-kind contributions are invaluable to this project and help us bring these films to life while reducing production costs. Here are several ways you can assist:
Lodging: Hotel owners or Airbnb hosts willing to provide free or reduced-price lodging for the film crew during their stays in the Hoxie area
Meals & Catering: Local restaurants, caterers, or community members interested in supporting the production by providing meals at free or reduced costs—e.g. sponsoring a meal for the crew or organizing potluck-style meals during filming days
Community Engagement: Assisting with outreach, organizing local screenings, or helping spread the word about the project to ensure the community stays connected and involved
Your contribution, at any level, brings us closer to preserving this essential piece of American history. Join us in honoring the courage and resilience of Hoxie's pioneers by ensuring their stories are told.
Ozark Vitality’s Role
Ozark Vitality is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving local histories and fostering connections across the region. We don’t just document the past—we bring it to life through powerful storytelling and high-quality filmmaking.
We are honored to work with Ms. Ethel and Ms. Frances to ensure Hoxie’s story is seen, heard, and remembered. As a fundraising and full-service film production partner, Ozark Vitality will:
✔ Accept tax-deductible donations to make these films possible
✔ Work closely with Ms. Ethel and Ms. Frances to shape the storytelling and ensure their voices are heard
✔ Assemble a top-tier production team to deliver a film that engages, educates, and inspires
✔ Support public screenings and discussions to expand the film’s reach and impact
Hoxie holds a place in history that deserves to be honored. Its story, like so many others, lives in the memories of a few remaining elders. Through this collaboration, we are committed to preserving these vital narratives—before they are lost forever.
How to Donate By Check
Make checks payable to Ozark Vitality
Write “Hoxie Documentary” in the memo line
Mail to:
Ozark Vitality
2521 Highway OO
Farmington, MO 63640