Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?

Content Warning: This section includes descriptions of police brutality and racially motivated hate crimes.

It is winter 1966. Claire, having just seen Down South, comes to Nathan and Kitty’s house upset by the similarities between the film’s plot and her own family history. Claire thinks that the studio somehow stole her story. Kitty then reveals that Hazel Ledbetter was her mother and that Hazel was raped at the Lakes house when she was 16. Claire realizes the truth about Kitty, and the women have a moment of understanding. Claire gives Kitty her blessing to go ahead with the movie. She notes that the Lakes family will never speak up about the similarities between the movie and their history because it would embarrass them. Later that month, Kitty is nominated for and subsequently wins the Oscar, making her the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress, though no one realizes it at the time.

In the summer of 1968, Kitty and Nathan are busy with work. Sarah, under Nellie’s care, is doing well at school. Nellie and Kitty have agreed to tell Sarah when she is older.