Lincoln University offers civil rights film series

Lincoln University will host a four-part PBS film series showcasing America's leaders during the Civil Rights era starting at 6:30 p.m. today at Inman Page Library on the Jefferson City campus.

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, the first film to be shown will be  "Citizen King." The film is set in 1963, providing insight King's journey as he fought for civil rights.

Cheryl Lawson, assistant library director, encourages all to come with an open mind.

"We are trying to bring students, faculty and the community together to explore different perspectives on the civil rights movement and the experiences of African-Americans during the time," she said.

"We know that there were many other races involved in the movement, which is why everyone is encouraged to join in the discussion."

Roundtable discussions will give participants the opportunity to reflect on the films.

On Wednesday, the second film will highlight racism, schools and desegregation laws during the civil rights era, focusing on how the leaders were able to make an impact on Jim Crow laws that promoted the "separate but equal" doctrine.

The series will resume Jan. 24 with the PBS show "Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise, Part 2," and continue with "Freedom Riders" on Jan. 25. At the conclusion of the film series, there will be another opportunity for participants to engage in discussion of the film series in it's entirety.

Showtime for all of the films is 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the lower level of the library. For more information call 573-681-5504.