Curate The Course: History of Racism

I came across "Selma" in my American Creativity class two years ago. Selma is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by James Bevel, Hosea Williams, Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Lewis. I was shocked watching how people were treated simply because of their skin and it was surprised by how activists tried to fill the gap in their society and fight racism peacefully by their patience. I already knew a little about the historical event but developing empathy for characters is a different experience. It is important to study and discuss about racism and discrimination towards people of color and learn from history especially in our time. I believe history books are not as influential as other forms of media. Not many people would read history as a hobby but they would watch a movie and learn what they need to. The recent movie “Black Panthers” is a good example of how diversity makes movies more interesting. We live in a time that no one wants to hear a lecture on how to treat others but society demands more equal rights for everyone. Of course “Selma” can be replaced with any other movie/book addressing the racism whether it has happened in the U.S or any other place in the world. “Selma” is only a good example of how to develop a course on history of racism in a simple way that is interesting and understandable for everyone.