Selma

In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his commitment to civil rights and non-violence. This accolade underscores his pivotal role in the struggle for equality in America.

The story opens with a tragic event at the 16th Street Baptist Church, where four African American girls lose their lives in a horrific explosion. This incident becomes symbolic of the rampant violence against the African American community during this turbulent time.

In Selma, Alabama, Annie Lee Cooper faces significant obstacles as she attempts to register to vote. The white registrar obstructs her efforts, reflecting the systemic disenfranchisement of African Americans in the South.

Dr. King meets with President Lyndon B. Johnson to discuss the urgent need for federal legislation ensuring voting rights. Despite King’s passionate argument for the African American vote, Johnson expresses his focus on other national issues, showcasing the political challenges faced.

King passionately argues that the right to vote is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. He highlights years of systemic oppression and the injustice faced by African Americans in the legal system, stressing the importance of their participation in democracy.

Accompanied by fellow activists Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, James Orange, and Diane Nash, King travels to Selma. Their arrival marks the beginning of increased tensions as they seek to mobilize support for the voting rights movement.

In Selma, King and his group face difficulties including being denied accommodation at a hotel that prohibits African Americans. This incident illustrates the pervasive racial segregation and discrimination that activists endure in their fight for civil rights.

FBI director J. Edgar Hoover warns President Johnson about King’s influence, suggesting that it could destabilize the region. This highlights the federal apprehension regarding the growing civil rights movement and its potential to incite unrest.

Throughout the turmoil, Coretta Scott King expresses her fears for her husband’s safety. To find encouragement, King turns to the powerful singing of Mahalia Jackson, whose voice uplifts the spirits of those involved in the movement.

In a courageous display of determination, King and local residents march to the voter registration office. However, they encounter brutal resistance from law enforcement, resulting in violence and the arrest of several leaders, including King and Cooper.

Governor George Wallace publicly opposes the civil rights movement, reinforcing the systemic resistance against African American rights. His hostility is met with calls for justice and equality from civil rights leaders, highlighting the conflict between state power and the movement.

As activists including John Lewis and Hosea Williams prepare to march from Selma to Montgomery, emotions run high. This pivotal moment symbolizes the hope and determination of African Americans fighting for their voting rights.

While crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the marchers are met with a violent attack from state troopers. This brutal confrontation is televised, shocking the nation and drawing widespread attention to the civil rights struggle.

Following the violent events and the tragic death of activist James Reeb, President Johnson calls for immediate action to secure voting rights for African Americans. His address to Congress acknowledges the bravery of the demonstrators, promising legislative support.

The march culminates in Montgomery, where King delivers a powerful speech at the State Capitol. He emphasizes that the quest for equality is nearing its goal, remembering the sacrifices made and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.