Gary May, professor emeritus of history, discusses historical discrepancies in the film "Selma" during a recent Delaware Diamonds Society Author Series presentation held in Philadelphia.

When history and film collide

May discusses historical discrepancies in film 'Selma' at Delaware Diamonds Society event

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8:20 a.m., Nov. 17, 2015--On the eve of Election Day in one of Philadelphia’s most historic buildings, University of Delaware history professor emeritus and author Gary May entertained alumni, students and friends of the University with stories from his book Bending Toward Justice: The Voting Rights Act and the Transformation of American Democracy and his involvement with the Oscar-nominated film Selma.

The Delaware Diamonds Society welcomed May as the guest speaker for its annual Authors Series on Nov. 2. The author spoke candidly about the experience of his book being used as an historical resource for the movie, Selma, focusing the bulk of his message on the historical discrepancies he found in the movie.

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May held high expectations that Selma would be the one movie that finally portrayed the civil rights movement in a way unconventional to Hollywood – by putting African-Americans at the forefront of their own history. It was the reason he opted to share his book with the movie’s director, Eva Duvernay, and would routinely provide her counsel during its production.  

By the time of the movie’s release, though, May was left disappointed with Duvernay’s decision to exclude the countless stories of unsung heroes from the town of Selma who risked their lives for justice. 

He shared with society members the stories of local hotel maids and housemen – normally hesitant to join protestors for fear of losing their jobs – who felt compelled to march alongside them on their way to Montgomery after witnessing the heart-wrenching scenes of Bloody Sunday. He told of segregated schoolteachers who marched to the registrar’s office after being urged by their pupils mid-lesson to stop talking about history and make history. 

“I thought the lecture was fascinating. I would not have expected a film like that to not have any technical expertise. People go to a film not just to be entertained but to be educated,” said event guest Mary Diehl, of the Class of 1980. 

After his lecture, May and Vice Provost Matt Kinservik hosted a question and answer session for guests to learn more about May’s writing process and Hollywood perspective. Members inquired about the key events and players of the civil rights movement explored in his book.  

“The event was quite inspiring and a great way to bring people together. As a member of the UD staff, it was nice to learn about the work our faculty is doing,” said Jama Allegretto Lynch, a 1987 UD graduate who is associate director of the Honors Program and Diamonds Society member. 

Ruth Rosenberg, director of development for leadership annual giving and reunions, said the event also serves as a time to thank UD’s most loyal philanthropists for their ongoing dedication. “We’re thankful for the generosity of our Delaware Diamonds Society members and pleased to offer them high-quality, informative events that showcase UD excellence,” she said.

As for May, he learned a valuable lesson from his experience with Hollywood. “Write about history, but stay away from film.”

For additional photographs from the Author Series event, see the Flickr album.

About the Delaware Diamonds Society

Established in 1974, the Delaware Diamonds Society is a recognition society devoted to encouraging exemplary levels of financial support among alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University of Delaware. It pays tribute to those who cumulatively contribute $1,000 or more annually.

About the Office of Development and Alumni Relations

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) engages donors, alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff and students in a lifelong relationship and fosters a tradition of philanthropy to strengthen the University’s legacy as one of the great public institutions of higher education in America.

Photos by Kevin Quinlan

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