slavery

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) has partnered with New Regency, Penguin Books and the filmmakers of 12 Years a Slave to distribute copies of the film, book and study guide to public high schools in America.

The initiative, headed by Montel Williams will be launched nationwide in September.

From Business Wire:

“12 Years a Slave is one of the most impactful films in recent memory, and I am honored to have been able to bring together Fox Searchlight and National School Boards Association to maximize its educational potential. When Hollywood is at its best, the power of the movies can be harnessed into a powerful educational tool. This film uniquely highlights a shameful period in American history, and in doing so will evoke in students a desire to not repeat the evils of the past while inspiring them to dream big of a better and brighter future, and I’m proud to be a part of that,” said Williams.

Read more at Business Wire

The award-winning film is modeled against an initiative Williams launched that ultimately led to distribution by The Montel Williams Show of copies of the Civil War film Glory to public high schools.

The National School Boards Association is a not-for-profit organization representing state associations of school boards and their more than 90,000 local school board members throughout the U.S.

Thoughts on the initiative?

What are some other iconic black films/literature pieces that should be part of high school curriculum?

Sound off below!