Movie Series – The Great Debaters

Tuesday, September 16 at 6pm

At the DARIEN LIBRARY

The Great Debaters is a 2007 historical drama directed by Denzel Washington- starring Washington, Forest Whitaker, and Denzel Whitaker that tells the story of the Wiley College debate team in 1935 Texas. It explores racial tension in Texas during the Great Depression, from day-to-day insults Black Americans endured to lynching. The movie is based on the true story of debate coach Melvin B. Tolson at Wiley College, a historically Black college. He fought to allow his team to compete in National Debate Society competitions, which did not permit Blacks. The Wiley team eventually overcame all the challenges and was able to debate Harvard University. If you want to know the outcome, come see the movie!

Following the screening, Dr. Rebecca J. Wilson will dive into how this team’s historic pursuit of an equal platform continues to resonate with us today. Dr. Wilson is an educational leader, consultant, and advocate. She is the Founder of RJ Wilson Educational Consulting, LLC, where she partners with schools, organizations, and communities to design strategies that strengthen outcomes, foster equity, and build sustainable pathways for success. Dr. Wilson holds advanced degrees in social work and education. She is also a Person to Person volunteer and former board member.

The event is free, but you must register CLICK HERE.

Arrive early to get food at the library’s cafe!