By: Alexandria Hatchett, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, anh5454@psu.edu

On January 22, the Student Affairs Office sold tickets to see the film Selma for $2 at the AMC Painter’s Crossing Theatre in West Chester.

Directed by Ava DuVernay, Selma is an historical drama about the march to secure the African American’s right to vote. The march was from Selma to Montgomery and led by Dr. Martin Luther King.

The film took place in 1965 during the Civil Rights Movement. Selma is number eight at the Box Office, and so far brought in over $39 million.

DuVernay was inspired to create the film from her memories as a child during the summer in a small town close to Selma. Because of this film, she is the first black female director to be nominated for both the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Award for Best Picture.

When asked why the Student Affairs Office decided to sell the tickets to the Brandywine students, Director Ronika Money explained that, “[it] would be good for our students to watch.”

Many students are not aware of Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and of how much he sacrificed for equality. Money was “moved by the story and its authenticity.” The film brought attention to the struggles southern blacks faced daily. The Student Affairs Office believed that this film’s timing was perfect. This year marks the 50 years since the march from Selma to Montgomery.

In an interview with Melissa Harris-Perry, John Lewis stated, “America is a different America because of Selma (the town).” One of the marchers present was John Lewis, now a U. S. Congressman and Democratic Representative from Georgia. At 74 years old, he is the only living “Big Six” leader from the Civil Rights Movement.

He was also an activist for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Played by Stephen James in Selma, Lewis was a college student when he became active in the Civil Rights Movement. During that time, there were many other college students who stood up for their rights. This just shows that at any age one can make a difference in their communities and even the nation.