CHICAGO — The founder of a West Side organization has partnered with others to hold a private screening of the new drama “Selma,” and he is encouraging people of all ages to attend.
The screening is set for 4 p.m. Saturday at the Showplace Icon Theater, 1101 S. Delano Court, in the South Loop. A discussion will take place after the film, and attendees can expect to head home around 7 p.m. Those interested must buy their $15 tickets in advance because they will not be sold at the door. The tickets are available at www.JacSelma.eventbrite.com. Group rates are available.
Marseil Jackson, president of the Jackson Action Coalition, said that when he saw a preview for the movie he immediately knew it was a film worth seeing.
“I knew I needed the community to see it,” he said. “I knew I needed to get youth groups, adults and seniors out to see this movie and then to have a conversation following it,” Jackson said.
The event's partners include Chicago's Young and Powerful Group and "What U Need Is ..."
“Selma” is set in Selma, Ala., in 1965 and chronicles the journey taken by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other African-Americans to secure the right to vote. The drama tells the story of how King organized multiple peaceful marches from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., despite the violence the protesters encountered.
The civil rights activist refused to give up until the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in August 1965.
The film, directed by Ava DuVernay, stars British actor David Oyelowo, who plays King. Oprah Winfrey is Annie Lee Cooper; Carmen Ejogo plays Corretta Scott King; Tim Roth stars as Gov. George Wallace; and Tim Wilkinson plays the role of Johnson.
Jackson said he hopes the film resonates with viewers, sending them the message that voting is crucial. He said he meets too many youths who don’t understand the importance of voting.
“They don’t understand what our people went through to even have the right to vote,” he said.
With the city elections approaching, Jackson said the film couldn’t have premiered at a better time.
“The goal is to make sure people leave as registered voters, they understand why they need to vote, and hopefully they will make an educated choice when it’s time to vote" on Feb. 24, Jackson said.
Buy your tickets at www.JacSelma.eventbrite.com.
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