I watched Selma today with my kids. Every American should see it, particularly in this moment in American history where we need to be reminded just what the costs of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were.
The violence, killings, beatings, intimidation, raw and unbridled hatred are more shocking than ever, because of the passage of time.
I lived in Atlanta for 15 years closely connected to the Civil Rights Community, so I have known many of the key figures. The representation of Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was spot on, specifically Dr. King's immense courage and quietness in the midst of strategic discussions. Also, the way Dr. King leaned personally on Ralph David Abernathy, especially as they mused alone in a Selma jail cell late into the night.
I loved seeing my best friend, Rev. James Orange, who I worked with all 15 years I was in Atlanta get in so many shots and so many pieces of limelight, though I believe Rev. Orange was shown way too much in suits and not the overalls he preferred.
We are reminded that average people suffered mightily, but so did the leaders like Congressman John Lewis who was almost beaten to death on two separate occasions.
The film got many of the nuances of movement work so right--the turf tension between the Southern Christian Conference and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which had laid the groundwork for the Selma movement. It also captured the tension between Dr. King and Lyndon Johnson, the sacrifice so many must make, the hatred so many must bear.
Great film. Please see it.
Image source: LBJLibrary.org