62.8 Spartan Echo

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: [email protected]

08.29.14Vol. 62, Issue 1

The National Football League (NFL) season doesn’t conclude after the final whis-tle of the Super Bowl. The first event of the offseason, the NFL Combine, is an in-vitation-only showcase for the top draft-eligible college football prospects as they look to find a home on an NFL roster.

While the big names from the premier programs in the country get most of the at-

NFL Combine brings light to HBCU Athlet ics

By DeralD Frazier

Vice President Joe Biden visited Norfolk State on Jan. 15 to announce a $25 million grant to go toward cybersecu-rity programs and training at historically black colleges and universities around the coun-try.

NSU will be one of 12 HB-CUs to be funded by the U.S. Department of Energy who will supply the natioal securi-ty programs with $25 million

over the next five years under NSU’s lead.

The grant money will pro-vide cybersecurity training to students and faculty, better computer labs and learning facilities, and better research labs.

National security utiliz-es two-thirds of the national budget, according to Secre-tary of Energy Ernest Moniz who accompanied Biden • Continued on p. 3

An intense lookat history | Page 8

Vol. 62, Issue 8 02.13.15

Virginia native makesNFL history | Page 5

Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr. March | Page 3

tention, scouts cannot afford to overlook prospects from football championship subdi-vision (FCS) schools as well.

The NFL Combine serves as a gateway to the pros for many NFL hopefuls from smaller programs. Playing at the highest level of college football gives players expo-sure that cannot be found at the lower levels. However,

during his visit. We have “a lot of secrets to

keep,” said Moniz.U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott

joined Biden in the cyber-security discussion and said that there’s a “new generation of leaders in cybersecurity” and that cybersecurity is the “most important national se-curity.”

The grant is intended to

By Danielle Kirsh

• Continued on p. 4Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sandra DeLoatch engages Vice President Joe Biden in conversation during his visit to NSU.

Photo courtesy of Nsu commuNicatioNs aNd marketiNg

Norfolk State outside linebacker Lynden Trail (97) catches a ball during practice for the Senior Bowl, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.

VP Biden's nsUVisit annoUnces $25m

cybersecurity grant

BryNN aNdersoN | aP Photo

202.13.15spartan news


World renowned Cuban artist, Salvador Gonzales Es-calona, who goes by his artist name, Salvador, visited Nor-folk State University to share his knowledge and insight and to learn about Afro-American culture, bridging its connec-tion to the Afro-Cuban cul-ture and find inspiration for his future works.

A native of Cuba, Salva-dor’s work style is known as “Afro-Cuban” and contains a fusion of cubism, surreal-ism and abstract art. He has been creating murals and sculptures since 1990, which have been shown at various exhibitions around the world, including Norway, Denmark, Puerto Rico, Spain, Mexico and the United States.

During his visit, Salvador traded his knowledge with the students for a cultural exchange, creating contacts with students to receive in-formation to help with his cultural work, including his newest mural, El Sueno del

Tambor (The Dream of the Drum). It will be exhibited in Petersburg, Virginia at the invitation of NSU alumnus Tim Reid’s Legacy Media In-stitute, which refers to a time when black people couldn’t exercise their cultural rights.

Salvador believes the mu-ral will reflect the memories of those people who were brought over from Africa to America and will be a way to preserve and perpetuate those memories for the next gener-ation.

“I would say that students can always relate to me,” Salvador said. “As an artist, as a human being who re-spects traditions, my work deals with the African culture throughout the Americas and with the experience of living in Cuba as a black man spe-cifically.”

Salvador hopes NSU stu-dents will continue to study abroad in Cuba and enjoy the wonderful experiences and warm people who are quick

Famous Cuban artist Salvador visits NSUBy Antonio GArlAnd

Antonio GArlAnd | sPartaN echoWorld renowned Cuban artist Salvador Gonzales Escalona paid NSU’s campus a visit.

to communicate regardless of language barriers.

“The Cuban people like to talk, party, dance, and [have] cultural events,” he said. “We also have many spectacular architectural wonders in Ha-vana.”

He talked about exhibits in Havana, Cuba, including renaissance and modern art-work, art deco styles, unique-ly designed buildings, all of which, he said, makes Havana “an electric architectural city.”

For those fortunate to visit Cuba, Salvador expressed the hope that they will visit the historical sections of Havana, which date back to the 18th century and contain sever-al museums that display art that students will appreciate. He is holding a workshop for art students at NSU and con-sulting on future programs in Cuba with the Office of In-ternational Studies and Ser-vice-Learning.

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spartan news

College should be more than just simply attending classes. The Living Learning Communities (LLC) are resi-dential hall organizations that assist students both inside and outside the classroom. How-ever, as freshmen become sophomores, different Liv-ing Learning Communities (LLC) become available. Four LLCs were created specifically aimed at the sophomore com-munity to promote growth and education, EMPOWER, Platforms, Food (in) Security and Globetrotters.

While there’s a lot of fo-cus toward incoming fresh-men and graduating seniors, sophomores tend to become lost in the shuffle of what’s happening. It’s a time where one is exploring options, but making harder decisions of what to study.

EMPOWER is pointed to-ward students in social work and focuses on issues related toward social justice. It allows students to examine social and economic justice through a number of advocacy and leadership activities.

Food (in) Security’s goals are to adopt healthy nutrition and eating habits in the NSU

Sophomores find middle ground in the LLCs

By antonio GarlanD

community, help in areas which may not have access to good grocery store choices, al-low food studies and perform activist work in the commu-nity. This particular LLC is opened to all majors.

Platforms is pointed toward computer science majors in their sophomore year to pro-vide critical direction and en-richment. It allows exposure to professional development activities and sharpens tech-nical communication skills.

Globetrotters combines international and compara-tive perspectives in courses, co-curricular activities and service projects. It exposes students to world affairs and global trends.

Dr. Andrew Arroyo, head of Food (in) Security, spoke of the opportunities presented and expressed to sophomores to take advantage while the options are still available.

“It’s a chance to just throw yourself into the college ex-perience, and, in a way, that’s going to be productive for you,” said Arroyo. “A lot of students say, ‘OK, I want to get involved in the college experience.’ But then all they do is attend some events that

seem interesting to them here and there or they’ll go to a par-ty.” Arroyo said that college is a time in which students are formed as individuals and in-tellectuals. In that sense, the LLC provides an avenue like no other.

He also said success in life is achieved based on who you know. While some rely on just their resumes to get a job and hard work to keep a job, those who participate in an LLC will have relationships to draw from.

Through the LLCs, a stu-dent will meet people, from professors and other students, to community speakers, cre-ating relationships for years to come.

“It’s a great opportunity for extending your learning beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Kirsten Ericksen, head of EMPOWER. “It’s fun. You get to connect with people who are alike minded, who have similar ideas as you.”

“I’ve had great experienc-es,” said Larry Whitaker, a sophomore social work major and member of EMPOWER. “Being in the LLC has helped me learn more. I am closer to my fellow classmates.”

Living on campus is not a requirement to be a part of an LLC. All LLCs are free for students to apply.

help bring more job training to women and minorities in sci-ence, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

A lack of cybersecurity, ac-cording to Biden, is “as danger-ous as a bomb.”

“We can’t afford to have a gi-ant chunk of the population - women and minorities - left out of this opportunity,” said Biden. “[The] jobs are there, so is the

talent.”Biden also said that only

3,000 out of 3.3 million STEM students were African-Ameri-can, and that is why they are at NSU.

He said the African-American community is “historically not engaged in STEM fields.”

“I’ve never been more opti-mistic [about the condition of America],” said Biden.

• Continued from front page

“It’s a great opportunity for extending your learning beyond the classroom....”

-Dr. KirstenEricksen

Photo from | Nsu.edu

On Jan. 15, Norfolk State University (NSU) sponsored its commemorative MLK march to celebrate the life, achievements, legacy and sacrifices of Dr. Mar-tin Luther King, Jr. and honor those who struggled in the fight for equal rights.

Dr. King, one of the most well-known civil rights leaders, used his brilliant and unique abilities to prioritize the civil and human rights of African-Ameri-cans, sacrificing his life comforts and spending time away from his family. One of his most ef-fective skills was the power of persuasion, which he used as an instrument to help and motivate others.

Norfolk was a hotbed for civil rights activity and in the strug-gle, became involved in the country wide civil rights move-ment. NSU itself was born from sheer struggle and sacrifice as Af-rican-Americans in Norfolk and Portsmouth worked to establish a school for their children when many other schools closed their doors to them, one of which be-ing Old Dominion University.

Many Americans celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by visiting Washington, D.C. and helping their communities reflect on the freedom achieved during the civil rights move-ment.

“We are Dr. King in this fam-ily and we pause to retool, to remember who we are, where we need to go, how we get there and how we never leave anyone behind,” said Larry Whitaker, a sophomore social work ma-

jor. “This is the purpose of our march, this is why we remem-ber Dr. King, while we engage in the ritual of the march, heal-ing and…remembering who we are.”

“I encourage [everyone] to use the acknowledgement of MLK day to pause and consider the work, social change and educa-tional opportunities for all,” said Mildred K. Fuller, Vice Provost/Accreditation Liaison.

The event was honored by the appearance of Federal District Judge, Arenda L. Wright Allen, who described Dr. King’s works as good, kind and compassion-ate. From his eyes, she learned to create a change; one must be the change they want to see.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that,” said Judge Allen, quoting Dr. King. “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Judge Allen believes Dr. King wanted to reach out to children and inspire them to follow their dreams despite life’s challenges, injustices and obstacles.

“Faith is taking the first step, even if you can’t see the whole staircase,” she said. “If you can’t run, than walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep mov-ing forward.”

The purpose of Dr. King’s leg-acy was to ensure equal rights for everyone. Today, we cele-brate his accomplishments by following our paths and striving to become better at what we do, regardless of what may stand in our way.

NSU celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.’s

legacyBy aNtoNio garlaNd

One of the Sophomore LLCs is Empower, which deals strictly with social work and economic justice for NSU Spartans.

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spartan sports

ESPN will be launching a new site on sports, race and culture in the near future and a former Spartan Echo staff member will serve as the Vice President and Editorial Director. Leon Carter will be assisting

Jason Whitlock by overseeing all of the editorial content, staff , and making sure the vision of the site will be carried out to its viewers. Th is website will give an inside look on how race and culture go hand and hand with sports.“Race has always been an issue

in society and sports have always played a role, like the ‘I Can’t Breathe’ shirts,” Carter said.Prior to being named vice

president and editorial direc-tor of the new site, Carter had

Leon Carter namedEditorial Director of new ESPN Site

By KAZAHnA JoYCe

one can earn an invitation to the combine with a good highlight tape to prove you can hold your own against better competition.

Several players from Histor-ically Black College and Uni-versities (HBCU) have gone on to have success in the NFL. Th e NFL considered HBCU programs as a goldmine for overlooked and underexposed talent. 28 former NFL play-ers currently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame played their college ball at an HBCU, including three in 2014. NFL legends like wide receiver Jerry Rice and de-fensive end Deacon Jones are alumni of HBCU schools.

Norfolk State defensive end Lynden Trail received an invi-tation to the 2015 NFL Com-bine. Trail, a transfer from the University of Florida, is one

of the most heralded pros-pects from an FCS program. His ability to play multiple positions along the defensive front has scouts clamoring about his NFL potential.

“Th ere’s no such thing as a small-school guy, in my opin-ion,” Trail told reporters prior to participating in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. “Th e only diff erence between us and a major Division I school is the money. At the end of the day, everybody has to play ball, throw their hel-met on and hit somebody.”

With a good showing in the Senior Bowl, Trail now turns his focus toward the combine as he inches closer to perhaps becoming another player in a long line of highly success-ful NFL players drafted from HBCUs.

• Continued from front page

been the executive editor of ES-PNNewYork.com. Upon his arrival to ESPN in 2010, he was a contributor for other local ESPN sites in Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles. As a student at Norfolk State,

Leon Carter wrote for the Spar-tan Echo, worked with the cam-pus radio station, WNSB, and also maintained an internship with Th e Virginian Pilot. Soon after graduating, he got a

job with the Louisville Courier Journal. From 1994 to 1999 he worked in sports with the New York Daily News. From 1999 to 2010, Carter led

the New York Daily News to various national awards as their sports editor. Diversity in the newsroom is something that has

been high in importance in Car-ter’s life. Aside from being a glorifi ed ed-

itor, he has dedicated his career to mentor young journalists, mainly women and minorities, making him a good candidate for the Vice President and Edi-torial Director for the new web-site.Th e Sports Journalism Institute

(SJI) is one of the many initia-tives Carter has taken to achieve his goals.“Th e SJI put a dent into an in-

dustry that lacked people of col-or as editors, reporters, analysts etc.,” Carter said.Th e name and release date of

the new ESPN site is set to be revealed later in the year.

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spartan sports

Seattle Seahawks quarter-back (QB) Russell Wilson has made history in the Nation-al Football League (NFL). In just three years, Wilson made his second start at QB in the Super Bowl. After a tough 28-22 win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship, Russell Wilson became the fi rst Af-rican-American QB to make back-to-back appearances in the Super Bowl.

Th e Richmond native has proven in his three-year career that he has the arm strength, accuracy and clutch gene necessary to lead his team to wins, and more importantly championships.

In the third round, the Se-attle Seahawks used the 75th draft pick to get the under-sized QB. Early on, people doubted Russell’s ability to see over the pocket to make plays. So far in his NFL career he has completed 794 passes for 9,950 yards and 72 touch-downs. He has even shown

Virginia native Russell Wilson making NFL historyBy Kazahna JoYCe

African-American Sports History and MilestonesBy DeralD Frazier

the ability to run the ball, gaining 1,877 rushing yards, and crossing his opponent’s goal line 11 times. Needless to say, he’s proved all of his critics wrong.

After the win over Green Bay, ESPN’s Skip Bayless de-scribed him as “a small man with big moments.” Aside from his athletic ability, Wil-son also has one of the high-est football IQ’s in the league with leadership qualities most players lack in their third year of pro football.

His success is nothing new to those who followed him in high school and college. As a junior at Collegiate High School, Wilson threw for 3,287 yards and four touch-downs. He was also named the Richmond Times Dis-patch Player of the Year twice in his high school career. Not only was he a standout in his city, but he also stood out na-tionally, catching the eyes of Sports Illustrated for his per-formance in his team’s state

championship game.Russell Wilson’s athlet-

ic ability wasn’t only show-cased on the gridiron; he also emerged as a baseball star. In 2007, the Baltimore Orioles selected him as the fi fth pick in the 41st round. Despite the opportunity, Wilson decided to continue with his educa-tion at NC State and pursue a football career.

Looking into Wilson’s fam-ily history, it is apparent that athletic ability and leadership was bound to run through his veins. His grandfather, Har-rison B. Wilson, was an hon-or student and star athlete at Kentucky State University. He later became Norfolk State University’s president, and held his position from 1975-1997. He also was one of the most favored football coaches in Jackson State Uni-versity’s history.

Th is season, Wilson led his team with 285 pass comple-tions, 3,475 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also rushed

for 849 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns. In the post season he delivered 29 completed passes, 14 of them occurring in his strug-gling performance against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship.

He has already left his im-print in the history books by becoming the fi rst Afri-can-American QB to make

back-to-back appearances in the Super Bowl. Unfortu-nately, the Seahawks were un-able to win Super Bowl XLIX due to a rough start and bad play calling in the fi nal sec-onds of the game. Wilson would have become the fi rst African-American QB to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

can-American head coach to win the Super Bowl as the Indianapolis Colts de-feat the Chicago Bears on Feb. 4.

•2012- Gymnast Gabby Douglas becomes the fi rst African-American to win the individual all-around event. She also won a team gold medal for the U.S. at the Summer Olympic Games.

•1908- Boxer Jack John-son becomes fi rst the fi rst African-American World Heavyweight Champion, defeating Tommy Burns.

•1936- Track sprinter and long jumper Jesse Owens becomes fi rst Olympian to win four gold medals.

•1947- Jackie Robinson de-buts for Brooklyn Dodgers breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

•1956- Tennis player Al-thea Gibson becomes fi rst African-American woman

to win the Wimbledon by defeating Darlene Hand in the fi nals.

•1966- Texas Western Uni-versity debuted the fi rst all-black starting lineup in NCAA championship his-tory.

•1975- Tennis player and Virginia native Arthur Ashe becomes fi rst African-Amer-ican man to win the Wim-bledon by defeating Jimmy Connors in the fi nals.

•1986- Boxer Mike Tyson defeats Trevor Berbick to

become the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history at the age of 20.

•1987- Quarterback Doug Williams leads the Wash-ington Redskins to a 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos, becoming the fi rst African-American quarter-back to win a Super Bowl.

•1997- Tiger Woods be-comes the youngest (21years old) and fi rst African-Amer-ican to win the U.S. Mas-ters.

•2002- Los Angeles Sparks Center Lisa Leslie becomes fi rst female to dunk in a pro-fessional basketball game.

•2004- Soccer player Fred-dy Adu becomes the young-est player to sign a major league contract in 115 years.

•2006- Shani Davis, Amer-ican speed skater, becomes the fi rst black athlete to win a gold medal in an in-dividual event at the Winter Olympic Games.

•2007- Tony Dungy be-comes the fi rst Afri-

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson drops back to pass during the fi rst half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, in Seattle.

DAVID J. PhILLIP | aP Photo

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spartan lifestyle

e d i t o r s

Kazahna JoyceSports Editor

Jason GillEditor-in-Chief

DanielleKirshOnline/Managing Editor

Tykhari ColesMulti-mediaEditor

Chantelle PoliteEntertain-ment Editor

MalaunHouseLifestyle Editor

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Antonio GarlandNews Editor

MarioLawrenceGraphic Design/Layout Editor

spartan lifestyle

Everyone has those elder-ly family members that seem to know any and everything about family history and things that occurred in the past. These jewels of the fam-ily are often overlooked or considered less important and knowledgeable because they are older; however, in many instances, the oldest member of the family often has the most wisdom.

“My grandmother acts like she knows everything there is to know about life. I love her so much because she always has a story for me or some-thing inspiring and uplifting for me when I need it the most,“ junior sociology major Kelsey Casey said.

In Africa, many communi-ties have what is called a Gri-ot, which is the oldest mem-ber of the tribe or family. The Griot has been said to hold the most wisdom and share stories with the younger gen-eration, passing down tradi-tions, beliefs and lessons.

“The oldest person in my

Such great and elderly wisdom

family is my 93-year old grandmother. She talks to us about all of our family history and keeps their stories alive. I try my best to put into prac-tice what I learn and show my great appreciation for other cultures as well as my own,” senior chemistry pre-med major Jasmin Flowers said.

Some people believe that as the younger generations grow, they should allow themselves to be taught by those who have come before them. One of the easiest ways to learn about life is through understanding another per-son’s experiences, downfalls and triumphs.

“I try my best to learn and listen to my elders because a lot of the things they tell me aren’t just for my own good; it’s so I won’t make the same mistakes. I always felt like if I was given the opportunity to do better than those that came before me, why not do better, ” senior building con-struction technology major Chad Allen said.

By MAlAun House

Like the tree stays in touch with it’s roots, most students maintain knowledge of their African American roots by enriching their rela-tionships with elders in the family.

There are many African-Americans that have contributed to the inventions and extensive use of today’s machinery. Many people were not recognized for their inventions until after their deaths.Granville Woods was born April 23, 1856 in Columbus, Ohio. He stopped going to school at the age of 10 to begin working in a machine shop. His invention is a combination of the telephone and the telegraph, named the telegraphony; it was patented in 1885. Woods worked diligently until his death in New York City, New York on Jan. 30, 1910.

Patricia Bath was born Nov. 4, 1942 in Harlem, New York. She attended Hunter College and went to medical school at Howard University. She was the first black person to com-plete a residency in Ophthalmology. In 1981 she invented the Laserphaco Probe, which is used today to treat cataracts.

Richard Spikes’ birth and personal life are unknown be-cause he was not recognized for his work until after his death. He invented a great number of automatic car devices such as the automatic car washer (1913), the automatic gear shift (1932) and the automatic safety break (1962). He be-gan to lose his vision and died soon after the creation of his last invention in 1962.

A black history spotlight:

Innovators & inventions

By sierrA rodGers

Photo from | faceBook.com

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spartan entertainmentTake a look at Oscar wins by

African-AmericansBy Chantelle Polite

Feb. 1 begins Black History Month and Feb. 22 is the night of the 87th Academy Awards. It is not uncommon knowledge that African-Americans are not the primary win-ners of these awards. However, when they do win an Oscar or are even nominated for putting on unforgettable perfor-mances in films during the year, it is always important that their hard work is acknowledged beyond the two minutes they get on the Academy Award stage.

Best Supporting ActressHattie McDaniel for Gone With the Wind (1939)

Best ActorSidney Poitier for Lilies of the Field (1963)

Best ActorLouis Gossett, Jr. for An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)

Best Supporting ActorDenzel Washington for Glory (1989)

Best Supporting ActressWhoopi Goldberg for Ghost (1990)

Best Supporting ActorCuba Gooding, Jr. for Jerry Maguire (1996)

Best ActorDenzel Washington for Training Day (2001)

Best ActressHalle Berry for Monster’s Ball (2001)

Best ActorJamie Foxx for Ray (2004)

Best Supporting ActorMorgan Freeman for Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Best ActorForest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland (2006)

Best Supporting Actress

Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls (2006)

Best Supporting ActressMo’Nique Imes-Jackson for Precious (2009)

Best Supporting Actress

Octavia Spencer for The Help (2011)

Best Supporting ActressLupita Nyong’o for 12 Years A Slave (2014)

The year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of The 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act outlawed the discriminatory measures used to keep minorities from voting in the southern states after The Civil War. Directed and written by Ava DuVeray and Paul Webb, “Selma” offers a look into the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his fight for equal voting rights for all races, all while trying to push President Lyndon Johnson to stand for the rights of the poorly treated African Americans polit-ically and socially. The film takes a soulful and heart-wrenching approach to deliver powerful events in our nation’s history in the journey to Civil Rights.

The film opens up with cringe-worthy moments in history such as the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing which resulted in the death of four little girls, Annie Lee Cooper (Oprah Winfrey) is denied her voting registration after being asked difficult questions and Dr. King is receiving his Nobel Peace Prize.

The senseless murder of Civ-il Rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson (Keith Stanfield) in-spired Dr. King and other activ-ists such as Diane Nash (Tessa Thompson), Ralph Abernathy (Colman Domingo) and James Bevel (Common) to pressure President Johnson to pass the Voting Rights Act. King’s pleas

to Johnson fall on deaf ears for the next two and a half years, the President even going as far as to try and end Dr. King’s tactics by calling in J. Edgar Hoover to destroy King’s marriage to wife Coretta (Carmen Ejogo).

The film beautifully captures the emotional appeal of our nation’s history of civil rights and racism. Oyelowo embodies King’s soft-spoken conversation and militant disposition, almost to an exact. Winfrey, Thompson, and Common deliver slight, but effective supporting roles, show-ing that King did not have what many call followers, but rath-er leaders who were fighting to make a change. DuVeray and Webb come together to provide a script that showcases the harsh reality that is our pre-civil rights era.

In a particular scene we find Dr. King and members of the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) make their first trip to Selma, Ala-bama checking into a hotel. A white male calls Dr. King over as if to shake his hand and in-stead punches him in the face, to which one of King’s friends responds, “This place is perfect!” Viewers see that King and the others are in no way ignorant to the racial brutality they will be facing, all while maintaining their non-violent approach.

Other horrid moments take place such as Bloody Sunday -- the brutal beating of the civil

rights marchers by Alabama state troopers in their first attempt to march through Selma -- and the death of white civil rights activ-ist James Reeb for supporting the African American march-ers, showing us that even in the wake of marching for peace, no one who supported civil rights was safe.

Finally, King and others offi-cially make their march through Selma, Alabama to Montgom-ery, passing along the Edmund Pettus Bridge. This third and final time, there were no clubs, no tyrannical state troopers on horses, no guns, and no tear gas. Instead, there were determined marchers -- from The Pope to Annie Lee Cooper -- marching the fifty miles from Selma to Montgomery, aiming to make a difference.

DuVeray’s powerful film about politics and racial equality falls nothing short of amazing. Perhaps the best thing about “Selma” was the film’s display of the truth. The truth being racial brutality, discrimination, bloodshed, violence and that King’s amoral lifestyle outside of his wife did not always follow his moral beliefs. In light of this year’s moment in history and its nominations at this year’s 87th Academy Awards for Best Pic-ture and Golden Globe winner for Best Original Song, “Selma” is an absolute must-see film.

...a must-see look at a moment in historySeLMABy chaNtelle Polite

62.8 Spartan Echo

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