Audiences reflect on dreams of Dr. King in Selma

Since its release on Jan. 9, critics have been raving over the movie Selma.

The movie is about the journey of Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers as they march from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama. The march happened during the time when President Lyndon Johnson was signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and is one of the most significant victories for the Civil Rights Movement.

“The movie was just great. There were times I wanted to cry. There were times I laughed and there were times I felt proud because we have come so far as a nation, and especially as African Americans,” said freshman Biology major Alexis Smith.

The film stars David Oyelowo, who plays Martin Luther King Jr., and other big-name stars: Oprah Winfrey, Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson and Tim Roth.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Selma has brought in over $26.4 million in the two weeks it has been out and the number continues to increase daily.

Junior Health and Human Performance major Jada Crawford called Selma inspiring.

“It showed people to never give up and fight for what’s right. It encourages you to keep fighting until the battle is won. I loved the movie and being able to just see what many African Americans had to go through for us to get equal rights,” said Crawford.

Many of the viewers have encouraged others of all races to go out and see this movie but to be aware of some of the violent content and racial slurs.

“It has a lot of moments that are intense in the movie but those moments made me really appreciative of the life we as African Americans have now,” said junior Psychology major Kache Brooks.

For more information on Selma, you can visit the Rotten Tomatoes website or check the movie out for yourself at your local theater now.