By Aja Cooper, Staff Writer

Published in print Nov 19. 2014

It is impossible to discuss American history without acknowledging the hard times of the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement marked a period in America’s history where African Americans fought to receive the rights they should have been born with. Though they fought for these rights, it was traditionally done in a non-violent way.

Despite their efforts of civil disobedience, authorities responded to those participating in boycotts, sit-ins and marches with what could be described as extreme acts of violence. In the 2014 film, “Selma,” a spotlight is cast upon the crucial efforts in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign to gain voting rights. King’s 1965 march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama marks what is recognized as the peak of the Civil Rights Movement.

With the 50th anniversary of the Selma marches and Voting Rights Acts of 1965 approaching, this film arrives on the screen just in time.

David Oyelowo, who plays King in the film, is accompanied by well-known names such as Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tom Wilkinson and Common to name a few. Another actress that will gracing the screen with these great talents is UNCG’s own Ashlei Chestnut. Chestnut is currently a senior at UNCG pursuing a degree in acting and will soon be making her first feature film debut in “Selma.”

Chestnut states that when contacted about being a part of this film, she knew that it was huge and important, especially with it being produced by big names such as Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt. Though Selma is a backed by strong talents such as those previously mentioned, Chestnut shared that she had deeper reasons behind her being attached to this film.

“Being a part of this film means so much to me,” said Chestnut. “My immediate family and grandparents fought for civil rights and held political offices so they could contribute to making laws that ensure equal opportunity to everyone.”

Having been raised in an environment so ripe with social activism, it is clear to see why Chestnut was drawn to this film. Living in the Greensboro area, escaping the area’s civil rights history is nearly impossible.

The Greensboro Four who sat at The Woolworth’s lunch counter marked “whites only,” and were denied service, is one of the stories of Greensboro’s history that rung in Chestnut’s mind while being a part of this motion picture. Not only was it the history of Greensboro that replayed in her mind, but also the instances of racism that she has personally witnessed.

“I remember sitting in the car with my mom driving to a restaurant and there were KKK members in their hoods holding a confederate flag, just standing on the street,” said Chesnut.    “I don’t understand that hate.”

Ashlei Chestnut was cast as an extra, specifically as a church and funeral attendant. Though she doesn’t have a speaking role, she stated that working on the set with Ava DuVernay was a complete learning experience. DuVernay became the first Black woman to receive the Best Director prize at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival for her film Middle of Nowhere.

Working with DuVernay was one of Chestnut’s favorite parts about being in the Selma film. DuVernay taught Chestnut and others terminology she would be using on set, and can also be acknowledged for her nice character and patience.

When reflecting on this film and the modern day struggles, Chestnut shared that working on the set of “Selma” really hit home for her as an African American and as a college student.

“Just knowing that there were students my age back then who died and battled against dogs, water hoses, lynch mobs, etc., for civil rights that many people take for granted, I am beyond grateful for those brave individuals,” she said.

Chestnut’s feature film debut will be screened everywhere on January 9, 2015. She can also be spotted in the film’s trailer.

Make it a point to support our fellow Spartan as she pursues to “do something bigger altogether.”