FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Selma, AL - August 6, 2023, The Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation (SCNTR), in collaboration with Film Dog Media and Alabama Public Television, is thrilled to announce a special screening event for the “Students of the Alabama Voting Rights Movement” documentary and launch party for the Voting Rights Movement Education Project (VRMEP). This momentous occasion will take place on Sunday, August 6th, 2023 to commemorate the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, at the Wallace Community College Selma Theater, located at 3000 Earl Goodwin Pkwy, Selma, AL 36701. Doors open at 1:30pm, screening is at 2pm. Admission is free.
The highlight of the event will be the screening of a compelling 30-minute documentary that will air on Alabama Public Television showcasing the stories of eight student foot soldiers who grew up in Selma during the Voting Rights Movement between 1963 and 1965. The documentary, produced in partnership between the SCNTR, National Parks Service, Film Dog Media, and Alabama Public Television, features excerpts from the full-length interviews of foot soliders with Congresswoman Terri Sewell serving as the esteemed host.
Following the screening, there will be a thought-provoking intergenerational panel discussion with documentary subjects, esteemed historians, and local youth. This engaging dialogue will provide unique insights into the experiences of those who participated in Selma, AL. The panel discussion aims to foster a deeper understanding of the reality faced by children growing up in the segregated South and their unwavering determination to secure the right to vote, even though they were not yet of voting age.
Moreover, this event marks a collaboration with the Truth, Racial Healing, and Reconciliation (THRT) Selma initiative, which uplifts and celebrates the Freedom Fest. The theme for this year's celebration is "Voices of Our History." Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy popcorn and drinks during the documentary screening, followed by an early dinner served during the panel discussion, allowing for further engagement and meaningful conversations.
In addition to the documentary screening and panel discussion, participants will gain access to the VRMEP booklet. This resource serves as a comprehensive guide for educators and discussion leaders, complementing the larger oral histories project and enabling in-depth exploration of the Voting Rights Movement.
The VRMEP seeks to inspire a profound understanding of history and inspire individuals to actively participate in the ongoing fight for social progress. The project aims to provide accessible resources and encourages attendees to share their newfound knowledge with their communities and beyond.
This event promises to be a transformative experience, and we extend an invitation to all members of the community to join us. The imminent importance of the content and the unique perspectives presented in the documentary make it essential for a broad cross-section of the community to be present.
For more information about the Voting Rights Movement Education Project, please visit www.selmacntr.org or contact Drew Glover, Project Manager, at dglover@selmacntr.org or 334-526-0767.
*This material was produced with assistance from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.
Note to Editors:
High-resolution images and additional information can be provided upon request.
Interviews and media inquiries can be scheduled by contacting drew Glover at dglover@selmacntr.org.
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