From NetFlix:

When African-American poet Mel Tolson (Denzel Washington, who
also directs) creates a debate team at historically black Wiley
College, he pushes the team to a level of excellence that allows
them to challenge powerhouse Harvard in 1935. But despite public
success, personal clashes foment as the father (Forest Whitaker)
of one of Tolson’s students resents his son’s loyalty to his coach.
Denzel Whitaker co-stars in this drama based on a true story.

You have seen this movie before: underdogs win against great odds.
But that movie is almost always inspiring and this film is no exception.
Wiley college in 1935 debated and won against USC, not Harvard.
In 2007 Denzel Washington announced a million dollar grant to
Wiley college to re-establish their debating team.

This film is not for children because it does portray a lynching. Also
Denzel Washington explains the origin of the word “lynch” and the
details are chilling.

The co-existence of comfortable, educated blacks with the redneck
Jim Crow south in 1935 can be shocking.

Strong performances by all actors make this a must-see.

Highly recommended,