What was the first scene about in the great debaters?

The first scene of "The Great Debaters" introduces the audience to the setting of the 1930s, showcasing the oppressive atmosphere of racial segregation in the United States. It opens with a depiction of a young black man, James Farmer Jr., witnessing a lynching, which starkly highlights the harsh realities faced by African Americans. This scene sets the tone for the film, emphasizing themes of injustice and the struggle for civil rights, while also foreshadowing the importance of debate as a tool for change and empowerment.