In 1969, when African American citizens were forbidden to swim in a pool with white people, Mr. Rogers invited African American Officer Clemmons to join him cooling his feet in a pool on his show to make a statement
And I found this not amazing quality video showing the 2 scenes back to back and the description has some interesting facts about the importance of the scene and the man who played Officer Clemmons.
L1norm on November 16th, 2019 at 05:22 UTC »
Whoa, imagine if there were social media back then. Mad respect.
tunaburn on November 16th, 2019 at 07:30 UTC »
This photo is from the 90s when they reenacted the special scene. This is the original photo from the 60s.
http://cdn8.openculture.com/2019/02/14222959/pool-e1550212231772.png
Also here is the OPs picture as it aired in color
https://images1.phoenixnewtimes.com/imager/u/original/10568645/wont_you_be_my_neighbor_fred-rogers_francois_scarborough_cle.jpg
And I found this not amazing quality video showing the 2 scenes back to back and the description has some interesting facts about the importance of the scene and the man who played Officer Clemmons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpm1AS9VkSM
swarlay on November 16th, 2019 at 08:01 UTC »
He also sued the KKK when they used a Mr. Rogers voice imitator to spread racist messages.
https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/12/us/klan-is-told-to-stop-imitating-mister-rogers-on-the-phone.html
He said he "saw red" when he heard about it.
https://pics.me.me/tvg-when-do-you-get-angry-where-does-mr-rogers-20820373.png