In our Selma review, we discuss this movie from the perspective of those who organize for social change. We also examine the movie’s relationship with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and other organizing in Jim Crow Alabama. And we take on some historical inaccuracies (but not the ones white liberals have been complaining about), like the fact that SNCC's James Forman was actually older than Dr. King, and that Diane Nash isn't depicted as a member of SNCC. We offer context to SNCC's base-building in Selma, the armed self-defense of Black people in neighboring Lowndes County, and Johnson's less-than-reputable "legacy." Most of all, we look at Selma as a dynamic narrative about often complementary strategies to achieve victories for popular struggles.

You can also listen to our Selma review on YouTube, Stitcher or iTunes.

You can rent or buy Selma on iTunes.

Episode Reading List:

Chepe cited Black Power by Stokely Carmichael and Charles Hamilton.

Chepe cited Robin D.G. Kelley's book Hammer and Hoe on the history of Lowndes County.

Chepe cited Howard Zinn's book SNCC: The New Abolitionists.

Media you should check out:

Zinn Education Project

And, apropos of this episode's discussion, their Ten Things You Should Know About Selma Before Seeing the Film