Cities across America are following New York City's lead to give students the opportunity to see the new film "Selma" for no charge.
New York City provided students in 7th, 8th and 9th grade with free admission to see the Ava DuVernay film about Martin Luther King Jr. and his historic three-month campaign to secure voting rights for African-Americans.
Prominent African-American businessmen and women in major cities across the country took note and have teamed up with Paramount Pictures to raise money for free tickets at participating theaters in their communities.
The participating cities include:
Atlanta, Georgia
Austin; Texas
Baltimore, Maryland
Bay Area, California
Boston, Massachusetts
Chicago, Illinois
Connecticut
Dallas, Texas
Detroit, Michigan
Los Angeles, California
Memphis, Tennessee
Miami, Florida
Montgomery, Alabama
Nashville, Tennessee
New Jersey
New Orleans, Louisiana
Orlando, Florida
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Sold Out)
Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Sarasota, Florida
St. Louis, Missouri
Washington, DC
Westchester, New York
The screenings will run from Jan. 12 to Jan. 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), or while tickets last.
"The story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s heroic efforts in Alabama during the civil rights movement is an important chapter in our country's history - and one that still resonates deeply today," said Charles Phillips, CEO of Infor and director of the Viacom Corporation. "Due to the many generous donors, tens of thousands of students around the country will have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary film."
For the New York program, 27 African American business leaders contributed to the fund for free screenings. Many theaters have fielded calls asking about group screenings for entire classes to attend together.
The New York screenings have been followed by discussion about the film. The program also compiled a reading list for people to learn more about the epic march that King led from Selma to Montgomery, which culminated in President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
"Selma" has garnered four Golden Globe nominations including Best Motion Picture (Drama), Best Director for DuVernay, Best Actor for David Oyelowo, who plays Dr. King, and Best Song for "Glory" by John Legend and Common.
Check back for more cities participating in the screenings on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
