Selma Continues in Ferguson

"Selma", starring David Oyelowo, follows Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his three month journey to "secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition." The movie was at once heartbreaking and inspiring. Oyelowo's portrayal of Martin Luther King, Jr. can only be described as impecible and outstanding: he talks like King, looks like King, and acts like King. I especially appreciated the director's choice to pay attention not only to King, but to other important historical figures, such as Annie Lee Cooper, President Lyndon B. Johnson, John Lewis, and Coretta Scott King.

Arguably one of the most horrific (yet true) aspects of the movie was how violent the police were to Dr. King and his nonviolent supporters. Marchers were beaten mercilessly, tear gassed, and even shot for participated in nonviolent protests for their rights. The film was at some parts difficult to watch. While the movie was amazing in and of itself, it truly got me thinking about many important issues. In particular: how well do the police truly protect us today? 

Everyone remembers the recent Ferguson shooting, where a black, unarmed teenager was shot and killed by a police officer. Darren Wilson, the officer who shot Brown, was not indited. Similarly, in July, an unarmed black man by the name of Eric Garner was killed by a policeman who put Garner into a chokehold. Police officers are supposed to be keeping us from harm, protecting United States citizens, but to what extent are they doing their job? It seems to me that the Ferguson shooting and the death of Eric Garner, among countless other police brulatity cases this year, are racially targeted. This- the attacking of unarmed black men today- is no different than the attacking of nonviolent black protesters in the '60's.

It seems to me as if history is repeating itself.