Jamaica Seniors Head to the Cinema to Celebrate Black History Month

‘Selma’ Screening Honors Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy

On February 24th, 2015, Jamaica seniors were treated to a special screening of the Oscar nominated film “Selma” as part of the community’s celebration of Black History Month. The event, organized by State Senator Leroy G. Comrie (D-Hollis), offered one hundred complimentary tickets to local senior citizens. Tickets were provided by Agewell New York, a community health care provider. The event was co-sponsored by Council Members I. Daneek Miller (D-Jamaica) and Ruben Wills (D-Ozone Park) and held at Jamaica Multiplex Cinema at 159-02 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, New York.

Selma, starring David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey and Carmen Ejogo, chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King’s campaign to secure equal voting rights for African Americans. Despite facing violent opposition, Dr. King’s march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama was a critical catalyst for President Lyndon Johnson’s signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 - one of the most significant victories of the Civil Rights Movement. The film has been heralded as a picture of superlative quality and was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. Its anthem “Glory,” performed by John Legend and rapper Common, won both the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Senator Comrie was grateful for the opportunity bring constituents together around Dr. King’s message: “These last months have challenged us all to be exceedingly cognizant of enduring injustice while demonstrating vigilance to quell tensions peacefully. Dr. King’s legacy reminds us of our responsibility to be measured during times of struggle and find a common message that unites communities instead of dividing them. I commend all those involved for helping to provide a platform to embrace this important conversation productively and actively."
           
“We are excited to give our community the opportunity to watch history unfold,” said Council Member Miller. “The events of this era, including both the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act, are significant pieces of this history and have greatly impacted our community in Southeast Queens. This is a community known for its activism, for its commitment to the democratic process, and for its turnout on Election Day, and the events depicted in ‘Selma’ are a big part of this history and this record. We are very proud of what we have accomplished.”
 
“The march from Selma to Montgomery was monumental in changing the course of the Civil Rights movement. Lee Daniel's feature film ‘Selma’ highlights the history, strength and pride of African Americans and the courage of so many who wanted to change the conversation concerning racial injustice in America,” stated Council Member Wills. “As a sign of appreciation to our seniors who lived during that time and to celebrate Black History Month we are proud to have presented this free showing. I applaud Senator Comrie, Council Member Miller and AgeWell New York for hosting such a profound event.”
 
Tara Buonocore-Rut, Executive Director of Agewell New York, said, “AgeWell New York is honored to be able to support this event in honor of Black History month.  What a wonderful way to commemorate the history and culture of African Americans, through the screening of Selma.” 

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