Brown to Host a Special Screening of The Great Debaters for DC’s Youth

Washington, DC – In partnership with the DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development and Peaceoholics, Inc.,   Councilmember Brown will host a special screening of the “The Great Debaters,” on Wednesday, February 27.

The film, based on a true story, revolves around the efforts of debate coach Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington) at historically black Wiley College to place his team on equal footing with whites in the American south during the 1930s, when lynch mobs and Jim Crow laws abounded. The film tracks both triumph of the debate team while identifying social obstacles they overcame.

Although the film was released on December 25, 2007, Councilmember Brown saw fit host a screening during Black history month to both raise awareness and motivate youth to action. “I don’t want this to be a recreational experience where our young people just come to watch another Hollywood movie, eat popcorn and leave,” said Brown. “I want this story to ring true in their hearts, reminding them of the obligation we each have to teach someone else. Mr. Tolson was one man who decided to change his surroundings. Our children need to know that they are of value and they can impact change, right now; where they are.”

Following the screening, students will hold a post discussion, moderated by youth leaders and Peaceoholics Co-founders Ronald Moten and Jauhar Abraham to discuss how present day obstacles must be tackled with the same tenacity demonstrated by the Wiley students.  

All students registered for the event will be encouraged to sign the student/youth engagement pledge and solidify their commitment by pre-registering to volunteer to read to students at their local elementary schools. All attendees will receive the DCPS volunteering application to complete and submit to the Office of Community Partnerships.

WHO: Councilmember Kwame R. Brown, Peaceoholics, Inc. and the DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development

WHAT:  Special Screening of The Great Debaters for DC’s high school students

WHEN:  10:00AM, movie begins at 10:30AM, with post-discussion beginning at 12:30PM

WHERE:  Regal Gallery Place Cinema, 701 Seventh Street, NW, Washington, DC

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