Each day, thousands of students pass by the tarnished bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the East Mall, but few stop to appreciate the impact of his work. MLK fought for equal rights and paved the way for milestones such as the enrollment of the first group of Black undergraduates into the previously segregated UT in 1956. To celebrate MLK Day, The Daily Texan compiled a list of films to watch in honor of his profound mission toward racial equality.
“Selma”
The 2014 film, “Selma,” follows MLK (David Oyelowo) and his historic voting rights march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital, Montgomery. With a heart-touching performance, Oyelowo seamlessly captures the essence of MLK throughout the film. The biographical drama details the fight for equality that led to the 1965 Voting Rights Act — 10 years after MLK began his activist work.
“Boycott”
“Boycott” follows Rosa Parks (Iris Little-Thomas) and the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955, where Parks refused to sit in the back of a bus, resulting in her arrest. Her act of resistance causes the community to stage a one-day bus boycott to protest segregation. The film showcases her interactions with various historical figures such as MLK (Jeffrey Wright), Coretta Scott King (Carmen Ejogo) and Ralph Abernathy (Terrence Howard).
“Green Book”
Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a world-class pianist, embarks on a concert tour through the South in 1962. Shirley recruits Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) as a driver, and the two develop a deep bond while confronting racism and sexism during the era of segregation. Inspired by a true story, the fitting title educates audiences on the meaning of the “Green Book” — a guide that provided Black travelers with businesses and services that served them during the Jim Crow era.
“Harriet”
“Harriet” tells the story of Harriet Tubman (Cynthia Erivo), who escaped slavery and liberated hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad. Erivo delivers a passionate performance, embodying the strength Tubman carried while leading these liberations. “Harriet” proves fitting to watch in honor of MLK Day, as this profound figure paved the way for MLK to achieve his mission.
“King in the Wilderness”
“King in the Wilderness” highlights MLK during the last years of his life, from his work in the 1965 Voting Rights Act to his assassination in 1968. The documentary includes private moments with MLK, behind-the-scenes footage, phone conversations recorded by President Lyndon B. Johnson and personal testimonials from close friends. The film depicts an overall honorable picture of the civil rights leader’s inspiring journey.
