1989 – Morgan Freeman’s "Lean on Me" Hits Box Office

On June 6, 1989, the film Lean on Me starring Morgan Freeman as principal Joe Clark continued its strong box office run. The film, based on true events, chronicled the efforts of Clark at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, where he used unorthodox methods to restore order, boost test scores, and instill pride in Black and Latino students. His controversial tactics—including walking the halls with a baseball bat and expelling disruptive students—sparked national debate. Yet the film portrayed him as a tough but necessary figure in the fight for urban education reform. Freeman’s performance earned critical acclaim and brought attention to the educational crises facing inner-city schools. The film remains a cultural touchstone and a symbol of accountability, community pride, and the enduring belief in student potential.