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Program Description
Event Details
In honor of the start of a new school year, join TOUR of St Luke’s Parish for a special screening of "The Great Debaters," a film directed by Denzel Washington.
The powerful film chronicles the journey of the Wiley College debate team, led by their passionate coach Melvin B. Tolson, as they confront racial injustice head-on. As we follow their story, the film not only showcases their intellectual prowess and unwavering courage but also explores the profound impact of their words. It invites us to consider the enduring power of debate as a tool for social change.
Following the screening, Dr. Rebecca J. Wilson will dive into how this team's historic pursuit of an equal platform still resonates with us today.
About “The Great Debaters”
“A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.” – IMDB
Director: Denzel Washington
Year: 2007
Starring: Denzel Washington as Melvin B. Tolson, Forest Whitaker as James L. Farmer Sr., Denzel Whitaker as James L. Farmer Jr., Nate Parker as Henry Lowe, Jurnee Smollett as Samantha Booke, Jermaine Williams as Hamilton Burgess, Gina Ravera as Ruth Tolson, John Heard as Sheriff Dozier, Kimberly Elise as Pearl Farmer, Devyn A. Tyler as Helen Farmer, Trenton McClain Boyd as Nathaniel Farmer, Jackson Walker as Pig Owner, Tim Parati as Pig Farmer, Justice Leak as Harland Osbourne, Robert X. Golphin as Dunbar Reed, Damien Leake as Wilson, Frank L. Ridley as Security Guard, and Glen Powell as Preston Whittington.
This movie is 2 hours and 6 minutes and is rated PG-13 (for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality).
About Dr. Rebecca J. Wilson
Dr. Rebecca J. Wilson is a dedicated educational leader, consultant, and advocate with over 25 years of experience spanning pre-K through higher education. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of RJ Wilson Educational Consulting, LLC, where she partners with schools, organizations, and communities to design innovative strategies that strengthen outcomes, foster equity, and build sustainable pathways for success.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wilson has held diverse leadership roles, including Executive Director of Access & Opportunity, Coordinator for College & Career Readiness, School Counselor, Research Associate, and Social Worker. She has led the development and implementation of groundbreaking initiatives such as the first comprehensive school counseling framework and welcome center for families in Stamford, an online coursework program for middle and high school students, and a “summer melt” prevention program for high school graduates to support successful college transitions.
Dr. Wilson earned her doctorate in Counselor Education & Supervision from Southern Connecticut State University, along with advanced studies in Educational Leadership and Social Work. Her educational journey—beginning at Norwalk Community College and continuing through graduate studies at Fordham, Sacred Heart, and Fairfield Universities—reflects her lifelong commitment to education as a lever for opportunity.