Discussion: "The Great Debaters"

From a CHCCS press release:

CHCCS to host Black History Month event
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools will host a special Black History Month event for middle and high school students, their families and members of the community.

The district encourages these groups to view the film, "The Great Debaters." The district will then host a community dialogue on the film on Sunday, February 24, from 2-4 pm in the Smith Middle School Auditorium.

"The Great Debaters" recounts the true story of the debate team from Wiley College in Marshall, TX. The debate team represented a historically black college and was one of the first to break the color barrier by debating teams from white colleges. The film stars Denzel Washington and Forrest Whitaker. It was produced by Oprah Winfrey.

CHCCS reminds parents that the film is rated PG-13. Parents should know that the film contains one graphic lynching scene and a romantic scene. Parents should use their discretion and their knowledge of their child to determine if the film is appropriate for him or her. To learn more about the film, please visit www.thegreatdebaters.com.

A viewing and thinking guide for the film is posted on the district's homepage under quick links. Light refreshments will be provided at Smith for the event.