Selma

Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was still rampant in certain areas, making it very difficult for Blacks to register to vote. In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground in the fight for suffrage. Despite violent opposition, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers pressed forward on an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, and their efforts culminated with President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Media Type: Movie

Genres: Drama, Biography, History

Educational Topics: Civil Rights Movement

Grade Level: High School

Key Scene: March to Montgomery

Teaching Activity Idea: Compare speeches in the movie with Dr. King’s original texts.

Discussion Questions: What rhetorical techniques did King use?

Rating: PG-13

Streaming: Netflix