Due to the reaction to New York City’s free screening of “Selma” for middle school students, cities across the nation are joining the effort.
As previously reported, on Jan. 7, Paramount Pictures announced it is partnering with African American business leaders in New York City, offering free admission to 27,000 seventh through ninth grade students to view the Golden Globe-nominated film at participating theaters.
“Paramount is honored to partner with New York City’s deeply esteemed businessmen and women to give students in New York the opportunity to experience Ava DuVernay’s beautiful and moving masterpiece,” said Brad Grey, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.
Inspired by the overwhelming success in New York City, prominent members of the African-American business communities in major cities across the nation have decided to follow suit. On Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. ET, several additional cities joining the effort will be announced.
“The response to our program in New York is better than we could have anticipated and we are truly moved by the generosity and outpouring of support,” said Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor and Viacom Director. “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. Due to the many generous donors, tens of thousands of students around the country will have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary film.”
Similar to the Big Apple, in order to take advantage of this opportunity, students in these cities will need to provide a student ID or report card at any of the participating locations for free admittance.
The program will begin at 7 p.m. on Jan. 12 and run through Jan. 19 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.
