March 29, 2024

Local churches showing ‘Selma’ to spark understanding, conversation

Screening set for 9 a.m. Saturday at Capitol II Theater

As racial issues in America continue to flood national headlines a group of local churches decided it was time for a community discussion to take place.

To help spur conversation and understanding regarding race relations in the United States, with support from Newton Ministerial Association three pastors — Jessica Peterson with Congregation United Church of Christ, Meghan Davis with First Presbyterian Church and Zach Bey with First Lutheran (ELCA) — developed the idea to host a free showing of the film “Selma.”

“Selma” shares the story of the historic Civil Rights march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965. The march was intended to be a non-violent demonstration to focus efforts on registering black voters. The march was met with violent resistance from state and local authorities. It also gained national attention when TV news coverage, which was still in its infancy, covered the protesters as they made their way to Montgomery under protection of National Guard troops.

“Great strides have been made in eliminating discrimination based on race, and we should celebrate those who went before us, those who continued to press on even in the face of extreme violence that sought to silence their voices,” Petersen said. “Though great strides have been made, tragically, racism continues to be alive and well throughout our nation. Racism touches the lives of everyone in this nation, of everyone in this community and thus everyone should attend this event.”

Davis echoed her collaborator’s sentiments. She also stressed the need for events that share the history of Civil Rights movement and ways to carry the country into the future.

“Many of us have been lulled into a false sense that racism is over because segregation is no longer explicitly legal and because we have an African-American president. But as we see in the news time and time again, we are not in a post-racial society and continuing to ignore issues allows them to fester,” Davis said. “Learning about the history of the Civil Rights movement helps us to understand the present and create a better future.”

Petersen, who viewed the film on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, said the movie is powerful and moving, and is encouraging all to attend the showing of the Oscar-nominated film.

“People should expect to view a fabulous film that may make them cry, may make them angry, may give them a different lens through which to view racism in our current time, and hopefully will inspire and move them to stand up and continue the work to dismantle racism wherever it exists. They will also have an opportunity to share their reactions to the film and speak to the reality of racism in this time and place as we will have a time for discussion following the viewing of the film.”

The film is showing free thanks to Congregational United Church of Christ, First Presbyterian, First Lutheran, St. Luke United Methodist Church, St. Stephens Episcopal, the Salvation Army, Bethany United Church of Christ, Sacred Heart Catholic and CAYA Wesleyan Church, and with the support of Capitol II Theater in Newton.

All ages are welcome to attend, and no ticket is necessary. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. with show time at 9 a.m. at Capitol II Theater. Davis, who has yet to view the film, said she hopes Saturday’s event is just the beginning for open dialogue, understanding and education.

“I hope that rather than being a one-time event, I hope that this will be a jumping off for ongoing discussion about race with progress made toward eliminating racial tension and promoting harmony here in Newton, Iowa, the U.S. and beyond,” Davis said.