Selma, Lord, Selma

Summary

Pod Meets World – “Selma, Lord, Selma” (February 24, 2026)

Hosts: Will Friedle, Sabrina Bryant
Podcast: Pod Meets World (iHeartPodcasts)
Theme: A deep-dive recap and discussion of the 1999 Disney film Selma, Lord, Selma, exploring its emotional, historical, and cultural significance, especially through the eyes of its young protagonists. The episode commemorates Black History Month by examining a lesser-seen but powerful film chronicling the Selma marches and the Civil Rights Movement.

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Episode Overview

This special Black History Month episode of Pod Meets World takes a somber yet heartfelt look at Selma, Lord, Selma, a Disney-produced film depicting the events of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, in 1965 through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl. Will and Sabrina highlight the importance of telling such stories, even though the film remains hard to find on streaming services.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Importance and Rarity of the Film

• Disney’s Approach:
  • Will and Sabrina lament the obscurity and unavailability of many Disney period pieces focused on important history (02:57, 03:30).
  • “This is the 1999 biographical drama of revolution, Selma Lord Selma ... based on true events that took place in 1965, detailing a tragic event in Selma, Alabama, a very dark day for the civil rights movement.” — Will (03:31)
• Critical Reception:
  • Film had mixed reviews but was nominated for the Humanitas Prize and an NAACP Image Award. It's frequently shown in schools during Black History Month (08:55).
  • The film stands out for its emotional heft, educational value, and focus on children’s viewpoints in history.

Historical Context

• Bloody Sunday Explained:
  • The hosts break down the real events of Bloody Sunday, including police violence against civil rights marchers, leading to national outrage (03:30–05:02).
  • They note the lasting impact, including the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

Viewing History through Children’s Eyes

• Unique Perspective:
  • Sabrina: "It's infuriating to watch what happened, especially when it's quote unquote, Disney-fied. So it's seen through the eyes of a child." (05:50)
  • Will: “One morning you’re jump roping and a week later you’re running from tear gas.” (06:03)
• Emotional Resonance:
  • Both hosts express how powerful it is to see these events from a child's perspective, referencing the emotional whiplash and the innocence lost (06:12–06:36).

Notable Film Details & Cast

• Director: Charles Burnett, a pioneer in African American cinema ("chronicling the lives of black Americans with eloquence and insight") (11:24).
• Stars:
  • Jurnee Smollett (Cheyenne Webb) — "extraordinary" performer, noted for powerful singing moments (09:50, 26:26).
  • Mackenzie Astin (Jonathan Daniels) — solid child and adult actor.
  • Clifton Powell (Dr. King) — praised for his deep filmography and weighty performance.
  • Yolanda King (Ms. Bright) — Dr. King's real-life daughter, impactful supporting role.

Recap of the Film’s Narrative (With Commentary)

(See detailed story recap with timestamps for key moments)

1. Opening Scenes and Civil Rights Tensions

• Alabama in the 1960s, with stark segregation visible everywhere (19:03).
• Cheyenne, excited after hearing Dr. King, skips school to see him, gets his autograph, and is invited to sing at a meeting (19:03–20:40).
• “Kids like Cheyenne are the reason they need to fight.” — Dr. King, via Will (19:50)

2. Community Struggles and Early Protests

• Introduction of Jonathan Daniels, a white Northern preacher living with Rachel’s family, highlighting allyship and tension with other local clergy (21:23–22:36).
• Host reactions: "Somebody who's teaching, trying to teach the word of Christ. Who's saying things like this.” — Will (22:45)
• Cheyenne and Rachel threatened and frightened by the local sheriff (24:33).

3. Church Meetings & Nonviolent Resistance

• Dr. King’s messages of nonviolence, the congregation’s music, Cheyenne singing “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round” — a standout, moving scene (26:21).
• “The level of control … showing how it worked, showing that that was the right way to go was just pretty incredible.” — Sabrina (07:37)

4. Escalation after Klan Attack & Violence

• Cross burning at the church, KKK members unpunished, local police apathetic (27:30).
• March to the courthouse — voter registration obstacles ("jelly bean test") and racist violence (30:17, 33:55).
• “Anytime the black community stood up … they were marching with peace and met with violence.” — Will (35:13)

5. Personal Consequences & Family Tensions

• Cheyenne’s family torn between keeping children safe and encouraging activism; parents’ fear and past losses (38:39–40:21)
• Cheyenne writes her own obituary as she fears for her safety (43:11).
• Hosts are deeply affected by the depiction (“This got me. This got me.” — Will, 43:11)

6. Tragedy & The Power of Singing

• Murder of civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson heightens tension, tests nonviolence (41:20).
• The iconic Bloody Sunday march: police attack, chaos, protestors beaten and tear-gassed (43:30–46:57).
• Cheyenne leads the wounded in song at church, re-inspiring the community (46:57).
  • “For it to be the child of the group that stands up and reminds them of their cause … really amazing.” — Sabrina (47:07)

7. The Cost of Activism & Final March

• President Johnson addresses the nation, moves Voting Rights legislation forward (50:30).
• Jonathan Daniels’s death as portrayed in the film vs. the real-life events (50:30–53:33); hosts highlight heroic, self-sacrificial acts missed by the Disney version.
• Cheyenne’s father ultimately joins the march, culminating in the successful crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
• Closing epilogue notes the film’s real-life positive outcomes and honors (53:32).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You get that feeling of, you’re infuriated in watching, going like, swing back, hit back, grab something. And it’s like, that’s the absolute opposite of everything they’re teaching.” — Will (07:24)
• “It kind of shocked me. … I believe it was very unsafe for two young girls to be walking around by themselves.” — Sabrina (57:06), reflecting on both the parental and communal risks in the story.
• “When you take these incredibly important moments and put them through the eyes of a child … it really takes it to another level.” — Will (61:08)
• “Disney can do it sometimes where they just punch you in the gut … when they want to go the serious route.” — Will (61:08)
• “I'm giving this one a 10 civil rights leaders.” — Sabrina (61:08)
• “This is an important movie that everyone should watch.” — Will (56:16)

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Segment Timestamps

• Introduction/Context: 02:47–06:36
• Bloody Sunday Historical Recap: 03:30–05:02
• Movie Availability & Critical Reception: 02:57–08:55
• Director & Cast Overview: 11:24–15:19
• Scene-by-Scene Movie Recap & Analysis: 19:03–53:32
• Reactions to Character Arcs/Parenting: 38:39–40:21
• Tragedy & Heroism (Jonathan Daniels): 50:30–53:33
• Ephemeral Reactions, Reflection & Final Ratings: 56:16–62:55

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Hosts' Final Thoughts & Ratings

• Sabrina: 10/10 ("I love living on a bright shiny rainbow ... but this is right up there with Color of Friendship for me.")
• Will: 9/10 ("A very, very heavy, emotional, important movie ... put through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl. It really just takes it to kind of another level.")

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Episode Takeaways

• Selma, Lord, Selma stands out as a rare Disney film addressing serious, traumatic Black American history with sensitivity and educational value, especially for families and young viewers ready for heavy topics.
• The perspective of children—grappling with fear, hope, and the first sparks of activism—makes historical events more immediate and affecting.
• The episode underscores the importance of remembering these stories, and the emotional cost and courage required for even the youngest civil rights activists and their families.

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Listen to More

Will and Sabrina encourage listeners to explore more heavy-hitting Disney history films like Color of Friendship and follow the podcast on Instagram (@magicalrewindpod).

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End of summary.

Transcript

[Angela Yee]

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[Sabrina Bryant]

Rewatching favorite movies and shows is what Magical Rewind is all about. And now we get to stream them everywhere we go. When we switched to T Mobile we became members on day one and now we enjoy perks on perks. Hulu and Netflix already included with their best plan. It's all travel, stream, repeat, all in a major America's best network. T Mobile really brings the magic. You won't believe what you can get with T Mobile. Switch today, shop online, in store or on the app, visit t mobile.com receive Hulu with ads and Netflix Standard with ads. While you maintain a qualifying experience beyond line in good standing, T Mobile is the best mobile Network in the US based on analysis by OokLaa Speed Test Intelligence Data 2h 2025 this is Angela

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[Will Friedle]

Welcome back to Magical Rewind. The show that makes you want to grab your friends, your PJs and your popcorn and go back to a time when all the houses were smart. The wave tsunamis and the high school's musical. I'm Will Friedle.

[Sabrina Bryant]

And I'm Sabrina Bryant.

[Will Friedle]

We've got a special one today for Black History Month. We are diving right onto YouTube again. So apologies for that, but you'll understand why in a second landing, again in the wonderful world of Disney, which is why, of course, we had to watch it on YouTube. They refused to put these things on Disney. We think it has something to do with the music or the licensing. We're trying to get an actual answer though, because there's so many gems from the Wonderful World of Disney that we have not been able to dive into yet. Or when we do, it's bad quality or we get half of it or it's ripped from somebody's vhs.

[Sabrina Bryant]

This one was a great quality.

[Will Friedle]

It was. Mine was okay. It wasn't great. It was okay. And again, I just love being able to see every aspect of the filmmaking and especially when it's something as important as a period piece, you know, I want to see the clothes and the cars and all that. So, yes, you know, know it was a wonderful film, but I, I, you know, wished I could have watched it more clearly. And of course that is because it's a wonderful world of Disney, which, as we've talked about a thousand times, is only on the YouTubes, which is not good. But anyway. This is the 1999 biographical drama of revolution Selma Lord Selma. It premiered on ABC on January 17, 1999, just one day before the federal Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, which of course was designed to happen by Disney. The film is based on true events that took place in 1965, detailing a tragic event in Selma, Alabama, a very dark day for the civil rights movement, where hundreds of marchers led by John Lewis and Hosea Williams were met by a wall of state troopers and a posse of white locals who quickly knocked them to the ground and hit them with nightsticks and tear gas. Some beaten unconscious while running away. All televised to an international audience. 17 marchers were hospitalized and 50 treated for lesser injuries. Lewis suffered a skull fracture and one 14 year old girl needed seven stitches above her right eye and 28 on the back of her head. The massacre became known as Bloody Sunday and pushed President Lyndon Johnson to send a voting rights bill to Congress. Now, there have been obviously a lot of movies and books and TV shows about this very moment in American history. Most famously the 2014 award winning movie Selma. But Sabrina, did you know much about Bloody Sunday before we watched this film? Yes.

[Sabrina Bryant]

I mean, what we learned, you know, in school and of course watching the movie Selma. So I definitely did know about it. It just doesn't like, it doesn't matter how many times I've talked about it or had stories that I've read, just seeing it again, it's just, it's so heavy. It's just, I mean, I obviously knew what I was going to be watching. And yet as it was going, even just the first couple of things that you're just going, wow, like what a different world for especially the youth to live in. You know how scary scary it was.

[Will Friedle]

Sure, yeah. This was, it was an important film to watch, a very heavy film to watch.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

And it's one of those movies where I knew I was going to just sit there angry.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

So, you know, you get, you. Yeah, well, we'll get into it. But it is, it's infuriating to watch what happened, especially you know, when it's quote unquote, Disney fied. So it's seen through the eyes of a child.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Right.

[Will Friedle]

It really puts kind of a different spin on, on what's happening in the world where, you know, one morning you're jump roping and a week later you're running from tear gas.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

So it truly, it truly all this through the eyes of a child is such an interesting way to watch the events unfolding in our country. And you know, people forget our country is an idea and it's evolving all the time and sometimes it gets, it's a horrible jump forward and sometimes it's a horrible jump backwards and you're seeing kind of this, this progression. But oh man, it was just so

[Sabrina Bryant]

inspirational too, as far as, you know. I mean, I, all I kept thinking was, man, how amazing it'd be to be in a room with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His aura, his energy, like the way that people talk about him, the way everything that he did, it's just like I could like the first couple scenes were into it quickly into like a church, a small little area with him. I kept getting chills. Like I couldn't imagine literally being in that, that church with like such an incredible inspirational man who just moved mountains for this country.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. And it's also, there's something so amazing to me about somebody like a Dr. King or Gandhi or somebody like that who essentially says every amount of violence we're met with, we're going to answer with peace. And love.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

And it's just you. You get that feeling of you're infuriated in, in watching, going like, swing back, hit back, grab something. And it's like, that's the absolute opposite of everything they're teaching. It's like everything you do to us, we're going to meet you with love and peace, control.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Like, I mean, someone cuts me off on the freeway and I am like my marbles in my car. You know what I mean? It's like the level of control and just, I mean, and showing how it worked, like, showing that that was the right way to go was just pretty incredible. It's just wild.

[Will Friedle]

So, yes, this is going to be, again, a different film that we're watching this week. And we've done a couple of these now that have kind of again, looked at something going on in the. In the world usually, you know, color friendship comes to mind where, you know, it was about apartheid. And so looking at these incredible things that are happening, these horrible things that are happening throughout the world through the eyes of a child, again is a much different take. And Disney does it well.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

So Selma Lord Selma is based on a 1980 book of the same name written by Cheyenne Webb and Rachel west and of course, Frank Sikora, but published by the University of Alabama. Disney Pictures optioned the memoir, hoping MLK Day could coincide with its release. The book was a memoir from Webb and West, two children who witnessed the day as children and are, of course, the main characters of the story. Compared to some of our past recaps, this film obviously holds a bit more emotional heft and violence than we usually see. But that was always the best part of the Disney Channel produced films. You know, they just did it.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

The genres and emotions ran the gamut in this one. Viewers got to learn something. It wasn't fuzzbucket, to say the least. Critics, though, were not so sold on it. They were mixed. However, it was nominated for the Humanities prize, which you might remember, Color of Friendship did win. It was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award. During researching the movie. It does seem like a lot of schools show this movie to students during Black History Month, which is great because that means they probably have VHS copies out there because as we said, as is the case with Most Wonderful World of Disney films, watching it can be a bit of a scavenger hunt. But we did find the full version on the YouTube, so that's how we watched it. Just search for Selma Lord Selma and you'll see a full movie option or pick. I Guess whatever upload speaks to you. Some might even say, let the movie choose. You don't choose the movie, however, choose the movie. It makes it better. Again, we talked about this, talked about the actual day of Bloody Sunday. But did you know anything about the film before we recapped?

[Sabrina Bryant]

I didn't. I didn't. No, me, I didn't. But then once it popped up and I saw the main young actor, I was just. She is just so extraordinary. I was like setting myself up for a wonderful watch as far as it goes.

[Will Friedle]

By the way, we already got one of our producers saying, I remember watching this movie in school growing up. So yeah, this was an important one. And as they were so proud to say in the movie, let's get your marching shoes ready. Here is the synopsis. 11 year old Cheyenne is touched by a speech from Martin Luther King Jr. And becomes active in the civil rights movement of 1965. But her resolution is tested when she joins others in the infamous Alabama march from Selma to Montgomery. Early thoughts. What did you think of Selma Lord Selma?

[Sabrina Bryant]

Oh, man, it was, you know, heavy. Absolutely.

[Will Friedle]

Sure.

[Sabrina Bryant]

But I thought it was done really well. I thought that this was a movie. I mean, not necessarily. Obviously there would be kind of like an age that you wouldn't want to have your. Any child. Like I wouldn't have my kids watch it just yet, obviously.

[Will Friedle]

Probably not yet. Yeah. No.

[Sabrina Bryant]

But at the same time, I think in a couple years, you know, is such a learning movie and it's done well. It's not it. You, you feel the heaviness, but it's not, you know, graphic like, it's not like to where it's like, you know, that you get, you get the sense like the seriousness of what happened. And I love that, you know, it obviously has a great message, but it's. I love like period pieces and things that like really guide you through an experience that happened in the world prior to.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, I really liked this film. You know, again, taking a snapshot of something so important and showing it through the eyes of a child. I've now said that a number of times, but it's true because you forget that all the people that are experiencing everything going on. So yeah, really amazing. And this is one of the few movies again because. And I did the same thing with Color of Friendship where I'm pausing the movie and googling the people in the movie. Like I'm seriously trying to deep dive the characters because I knew it's based on true events. What's this person doing now? What's that person doing now, how close is it to the actual story? And we're gonna get into some of that because pretty amazing. The director is a pioneer of African American cinema, Charles Burnett. He even received an honorary award from the Academy in 2017 for being, quote, chronicling the lives of black Americans with eloquence and insight, unquote. The South Central LA native graduated from UCLA and helped start a movement called the LA Rebellion, rejecting studio stereotypes and instead portraying everyday African American life with realism and humanism. His senior thesis movie, Killer of Sheep, was made for under $10,000 and is now considered a landmark of American independent cinema and and black filmmaking. Named one of the 100 essential films of all time by Time magazine. And his 1990 movie To Sleep with Angel starring Danny Glover is also considered a masterpiece. He's also directed documentaries like Nat Turner, A Troublesome Property and Namibia, the Struggle for Liberation. Burnett was a true legend, and this Disney movie is a memorable addition to his body of work. It stars Jurnee Smollett as Cheyenne Webb, part of the Smollett dynasty of actors and creators. She's probably best known for her work on the critically loved but quickly canceled HBO show Lovecraft country, for which she was Emmy nominated. The former child star first broke out at 11 years old opposite Samuel L. Jackson in the movie Eve's Bayou and appeared in 15 episodes of full House. She was also featured on Cosby, Friday Night Lights and True Blood. And on the film side, she was most recently in the Order with Jude Law. And she played Black Canary awesome in the comic book adaptation of Birds of Prey. Mackenzie Astin is Jonathan Daniels. Listeners in my age group will know Astin as Andy on the show Facts of Life, or just as the son of John Astin and Patty Duke. He is also the half brother of Hobbit and president of SAG. Sean Astin MacKenzie has been working steadily since the 80s, starring in the criminally bad garbage Pail Kids movie, but racking up far less offensive roles in movies like Wyatt Earp and Iron Will and on tv. He's been in it all. I mean, seriously, go look. Pages and pages of credits. So let's just focus on the last few years where he's been on some of TV's biggest shows. Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, the Pit, and Winning Time, just to name a few. Dude works all the time. Wow. And has his entire life. Clifton Powell has the weighty responsibility of playing Martin Luther King Jr. Powell has also been busy since the 80s, best known for roles in movies like Deep Cover, Menace to Society, Dead Presidents next Friday and Rush Hour and video game fans. He is the voice of Big Smoke in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Huge. We also have a big cameo here and it is a meaty role. Martin Luther King Jr. And Loretta King's firstborn child. Yolanda King plays Ms. Bright, Cheyenne's schoolteacher who joins her in the march. Yolanda King also played Rosa Parks in the King TV miniseries and she appeared in movies like Ghosts of Mississippi and TV shows like JAG. Unfortunately, Yolanda King passed away in 2007 from suspected heart related complications at the young age of 51 years old. And finally, Ella Joyce play. I mean again, the cast is huge. So we're, we're kind of hitting the big ones here. And finally, Ella Joyce plays Betty Webb. Joyce was best known for her time on the TV show Rock and she appeared in the TLC music video for Waterfalls. You also saw her on Sabrina the Teenage W. Seinfeld and in the movie Set It Off. And you know what sets me off? Sabrina? Movies that are too long. And here on Magical Rewind, we YEARN for the 90 minute movie. And so where do we land on Selma Lord Selma? It clocks in at 94 minutes. It's four minutes heavy. But we're gonna be honest, if any movie's allowed to be heavy, it's this one. So we're just gonna accept it and we're gonna move on.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Move on.

[Will Friedle]

Yep. On the script side they give credit to three book authors, Rachel West Nelson and Cheyenne Webb, whose true life story is brought here, obviously. And Frank Sikora who was the Birmingham News that co authored the book with them. And the screenplay was from Cynthia Whitcomb, who is a prolific writer who had sold more than 70 screenplays in her career. Her two most well received though are both from Disney Studios, Selma Lord, selma and the 1991 Disney Channel movie Mark Twain and Me. She also wrote and was Emmy nominated for I Know My Name is Stephen, a film about and which I've seen strangely enough, which is a film about a kidnapping victim named Steven Stayner who escaped his captor alongside a five year old and he'd be brought to safety. Small detail here about Steven. His brother Carrie would later go on and become a serial killer. Ooh, not in the movie though, but whoa. Hey.

[Wilmer Valderrama]

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[Angela Yee]

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[Sabrina Bryant]

2025 Hola, it's honey German here. Let's be honest. In our comunida, especially us mujeres, we do it all. We work. We take care of la familia. We hustle. But even the strongest need a break. That's why I love talking about real stuff on my podcast. Gracias. Come again because we're all out here doing our best. And sometimes having Alien in twas quina eso ac toda la diferencia. Like a State Farm agent, they're the kind of gente that shows up, listens, and helps you get the coverage you need. It's not about needing help. It's about knowing you deserve to feel supported. Comon buen besino State Farm esta ay. State Farm proudly supports my Cultura podcast network Escucha to shows favorito.

[Angela Yee]

Wherever you listen to your podcasts, imagine never having to buy gas again. Sounds like a dream. Except it's real. That's everyday life with an electric vehicle. No long lines at the pump. Just plug in at home and go. EVs are as easy to charge as your phone and built for real life. Most Americans drive about 40 miles a day, and most EVs go 200 to 400 miles on a single charge and with fewer moving parts, you've got fewer repairs and style. There are hundreds of new and used EV models to choose from. An EV to fit every lifestyle and every budget. Learn [e-mail]

[Will Friedle]

so let's get into this one. It's a rare Disney movie that covers something really, really important. This is Selma, Lord Selma. We open with gospel music and established shots of Alabama, focusing mostly on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. We find ourselves in a black neighborhood in what is easily identifiable as the 1960s. We see the harsh signs of the time. A white and colored water fountain, a whites only bus, benches and segregated businesses. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Is being driven around and shown the area with hopes that Selma can be a place where blacks and whites will eventually live together. Now, at a school during recess, we see Cheyenne jump roping with her friend Rachel. Across the street at a church, people are lined up and applauding the arrival of Dr. King. Cheyenne can't believe he's going to be in Selma. She wrote a report on him in school. She has to go see him. The bell rings, but instead of returning to class, Cheyenne walks right to the church. Reverend Reese is speaking to the congregation about the importance of equality, and he's thrilled that help has come in the form of Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King is happy to be in Selma and will help send a powerful message to change America. With black people making up 50% of Selma's population, they need more than the 2% registered to vote. Cheyenne tries to sneak into a pew, but everyone notices her. They tell her it's an adult meeting, she isn't allowed to join. She explains she just wants to see Dr. King and if her dad finds out she skipped school, he's going to be furious. And that's when Dr. King calls her to the front of the church. She nervously pulls out her report and asks him to sign it. He's happy with what she wrote, mentioning his Nobel Peace Prize and his mission to spread love. He says that kids like Cheyenne are the reason they need to fight. As everyone leaves the church, Dr. King invites Cheyenne to sing at his big meeting tonight. And then, with a huge smile, she runs back to school. Cheyenne walks into the class late, catching the attention of the teacher, Ms. Bright, who's lecturing about dinosaurs. She shows off Dr. King's autograph, but is told she can't understand Dr. King's message and to stay during recess to make up what she missed. As she passes Rachel, her friend says, I told you so. Oh, geez. And I told you so. Friend Like Cheyenne needed to hear that. When the bell does ring, Cheyenne stays in her seat and eventually raises her hand. She tells Ms. Bright that she does know what Dr. King was talking about. Freedom. When asked what that means, Cheyenne answers, doing stuff you want to. But her teacher says it's much more complicated than that. Ms. Bright encourages her to focus back on school and leave these things for her elders. The teacher also informs Cheyenne that she has to call her mom and tell her what she's done. Now walking home with her snitch neighbor friend, Rachel. Yeah, I mean, come on, don't be snitching on her. Cheyenne is so excited about singing for Dr. King. She might not be Aretha Franklin, but she's going to give it a try. Then a white reverend pulls up looking for the west home, which is coincidentally, Rachel's last name. The man introduces himself as Jonathan Daniels from New Hampshire and says Rachel's parents asked him to come and stay at their house. Cheyenne can't believe a white man is staying at her friend's house. Jonathan meets up with Rachel's mom and says that when he heard that Dr. King needed volunteers in Selma, he just had to come. He offers to pay room and board, but Rachel's mom insists it's not necessary. Cheyenne still can't get over the fact that he's a preacher, but wearing blue jeans. Over at the church, Reverend Daniels is being shown around the grounds by a woman named Sally. He explains he's in town for the movement, and Sally says she sympathizes with their plight but doesn't have time to volunteer. She then introduces him to Father Whitaker, a priest he's told to look up by one of his friends back at home. Father Whitaker offers him tea, and Sally says anytime he needs help in the town, feel free to call. Now, man to man. Jonathan says he's in Selma to help with the civil rights movement, and though he's a man of God, that doesn't seem to excite Father Whitaker. He explains the last thing the town needs are Northerners stirring the kettle. Jonathan can't believe the priest doesn't believe in integration. And Father Whitaker aggressively explains that the south is just different. The two men awkwardly shake hands and part ways. And that's when I was sitting there and I was like, I'm going to hate. I'm going to hate all these people.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Like, I know exactly. I was just like, oh, I mean, we've got a priest, like in on this. Oh, my God.

[Will Friedle]

Somebody who's teaching, trying to teach the word of Christ. Who's saying things like this.

[Sabrina Bryant]

It's like, okay, like, all children are a child of God. Like, it's. That's just the core basis of the religion is to accept everyone.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Sabrina Bryant]

And you're just going, holy cow.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Sabrina Bryant]

And he wasn't just. He did it with an aggressive aspect behind his words.

[Will Friedle]

There's an anger behind all.

[Sabrina Bryant]

There was an anger. And you're just going, I. You know, it's just the opposite of what this person should, you know, this mentor should be.

[Will Friedle]

There are worlds I'm just unfamiliar with. And a lot of the characters, I just, I sit there and I guffaw, like, is this.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah.

[Sabrina Bryant]

How is that possible?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Sabrina Bryant]

How is it okay in any sense?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. Very, very amazing. And again, I knew I was going to sit there. I was like, oh, this is going to be one of those movies where I'm just going. I'm going to sit here and seethe. Essentially for 90 minutes.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

So now at dinner, the west family is feeding Reverend Daniels, but Mr. West is forced to stand with his plate because there isn't enough room at the table. Jonathan said he's studying to be a reverend because he wants to fight hatred and bigotry with the word of God. Mr. West says in Selma he'll have his work cut out for him, especially once he meets Sheriff Potts. Rachel is excused from the table because she's going with Cheyenne to see Dr. King. But over at Cheyenne, she has to beg for permission to go, especially after skipping class today. Yeah, you just broke the rules. You don't get to now go do other stuff. But eventually, her mom does agree and instructs her to hurry back home afterwards. Sadly, she can't come see her daughter sing because she has a baby to take care of. And her dad is working late with the two girls now walking and singing on the way to church. A white sheriff stops them to ask where they're going. When they answer church, the cop cryptically reminds them of the four little girls in Birmingham who were bombed in their church. This awful moment in American history is also chronicled in the movie. It's a documentary for HBO by Spike Lee called Four Little Girls. It's. It's another one. That's a heavy watch, obviously, but absolutely worth seeing. The sheriff hints that their church could be bombed too. And so they run off in fear.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Oh, it's like, yeah, it's one.

[Will Friedle]

One moment like this after another and,

[Sabrina Bryant]

oh, these just young girls minding their business. I was just like, oh, my God, I can't.

[Will Friedle]

I. Yeah, yeah, it's it's people. Neighbors. Neighbors that don't know. It's. I can't even explain it. I just. Because I don't know what any of these. These people were going through. I have no context to it.

[Wilmer Valderrama]

No.

[Sabrina Bryant]

No.

[Will Friedle]

So watching it is very difficult because I just. I can't relate in any way, shape or form.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

And it's. And so watching it, you almost. There's a. Part of. It's like, oh, this can't be real. And you realize it is and has been for centuries.

[Sabrina Bryant]

I'm just. I mean, it. It just feels. Makes you feel proud that that's not where we're at. That we have moved forward.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Sabrina Bryant]

That we're growing so many ways and that there's a lot more I'm sure to continue to do. But that's not what we're doing anymore.

[Will Friedle]

It was like.

[Sabrina Bryant]

It was like heartbreaking even.

[Angela Yee]

Just.

[Sabrina Bryant]

That was just like, oh, my God. I just. Was just like, yeah, it is.

[Will Friedle]

Over at the church, Cheyenne isn't letting that cop scare her away from singing for Dr. King. And once inside, the girls see Dr. King's talking to an eager man named Jimmy Lee Jackson and the two men who will be running the Selma movement, John and Hosea. The girls are still shaken by the cops warning and searching the church for a bomb, because, of course, the cop just scared the hell out of them. Eventually, Dr. King spots Cheyenne, his designated singer. He also meets Rachel and explains the meeting's goal is freedom, but you need to want it bad enough. And the girls make it clear that they're motivated for freedom and ready to march. Then Dr. King takes the stage and preaches nonviolence, inequality, eventually calling up Cheyenne to sing Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round, which I loved this song.

[Sabrina Bryant]

That moment was so.

[Will Friedle]

But just this song, too. I loved this song. I really did.

[Sabrina Bryant]

And I've never heard this song before. And it was like, so. It was interesting. Like, is. I had, like, the question of, like, is that the song? Like the person that kind of leads. It says the first line and then it's the callback. And it was like. I mean, the way the grit. I already knew. I've seen her sing before. I knew she had a great voice. And even now she's like, younger in this movie. But like her grit and like the way she was like when she said, like the governor and like this, like. I mean, it was like such a great, wonderful, unifying moment. I loved it.

[Will Friedle]

The congregation loves it, too, clapping and dancing along. She is a natural. We Also notice that Jonathan and the Wests are in the audience, smiling at the performance. She concludes to a loud round of applause, a hug from Rachel, and words of encouragement from Reverend Jonathan. The group will start marching tomorrow and everyone in the church is feeling optimistic. But Dr. King reminds them it will be difficult. Many cities across the country are being met with violence. Dr. King is also introduced to Reverend Jonathan, who is very nervous to meet one of his heroes. Once Dr. King leaves, Jonathan meets Willie, who he'll be working with to register new voters in the town. Back at Cheyenne's house, she is still so excited about her performance, she wishes her mom could have been there to see it. Cheyenne says that Dr. King thinks that black people are still slaves. But her mom explains the difference between them and her grandmother of 100 years before. A lot has changed, but Cheyenne reminds her they still can't vote, which is the reason Dr. King is marching. And with that, she's off to bed. Later that night, Cheyenne's dad returns from work. He hears all about the Dr. King stuff, including Cheyenne's big musical debut. Her mom is excited that she's showing interest in something, but her dad thinks if Cheyenne gets mixed up in this, she could get hurt. He mentions that they've already lost one daughter to this movement. And with that, they go inside and soak his sore muscles from his day at work. But first he swings by Cheyenne's bedroom and she's wide awake, having trouble falling asleep. She wishes her dad was involved in the movement like Rachel's dad is. Her dad just wants her to stay safe and says the movement will get along fine without her. They embrace and say goodnight. Meanwhile, Reverend Jonathan arrives at the church to work with Willie and is welcomed by a handful of clan members about to light a cross on fire in the front yard. He jumps out of his car and screams for them to stop. They ignore his pleas and light the cross on fire anyway. One masked man tells the reverend they don't like outsiders and he slowly approaches him. Jonathan darts off to get help. Now at the police station, the officers laugh off the reverend's claim. They swear there hasn't been Klan in selma for over 20 years. He begs them to go check out the cross at the chapel, but they warn him not to stir up trouble in the name of voter registration. And then the cops just drown him in busy work, making it impossible for him to file a report. A defeated reverend, Jonathan eventually leaves the station and runs into Sally from the church. He tells her about the clan and she says the town just turns a blind eye to their existence. He promises Dr. King will bring change to Selma. Sally calls him idealistic and warns him to be careful. And now a crowd is gathered at the chapel smoldering cross. Everyone is disturbed, and Cheyenne and Rachel are scared. Rachel thinks the march should be canceled, but Cheyenne isn't going anywhere. She's marching with Dr. King no matter what. Jonathan is also there when a somber Dr. King arrives. He says they need God's blessing more than ever, then prays for strength to fight the hatred. He tells everyone to look deep in their hearts for the ability to march tomorrow. And everyone agrees that hatred will not deter them. The entire group, including Cheyenne, break out in song and celebrate. To kick off the march, the group, led by Dr. King, John and Hosea, sing Kumbaya while walking down the street. But before they can even get to the courthouse, cops arrive and block the front door. Immediately, Sheriff Potts warns the marchers no more than three of them can gather at any time and suggest they leave. But Dr. King explains they just want to register voters and they'll wait as long as needed to get it done. Since the registration office is only open two days a month, one woman says she needs to sign up today. The sheriff understands and shows her the door. The crowd applauds, but when she enters the courthouse, she's told that before she can register, she has to guess how many jelly beans are in a jar.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Just because then I'm going. There's no way, like there. There's. Oh, my goodness. Like taking. Oh, gosh.

[Wilmer Valderrama]

Hi, this is Wilmer Valderrama from those Amigos. Neesen wanted to test the capabilities of the new Pathfinder, but not in a lab, not on paper. So they went looking for the most creative minds they could find and asked three kids to imagine the ultimate adventure. Then a Hollywood director and his stunt team brought that drawing to life, turning imagination into a real, measurable test of the power of Nissan. Every challenge is 100 real. No tricks, no shortcuts. Just pure V6 engine power. That's quality, reliability and durability. And it's why J.D. power ranks Nissan number one. A new vehicle quality among mainstream brands. Discover how the new Nissan Pathfinder turns the unthinkable into the unforgettable for J.D. power 2025 U. S initial quality study award information. Visit jdpower.com awards awards based on 2025 model year. Newer models may be shown at Magical Rewind.

[Sabrina Bryant]

We are all about fave movie moments. And now we get to stream them everywhere we go. When we switched to T Mobile, we became members on day one and ever since, it's been perks on perks, Hulu and Netflix already included with their best Plan, Travel, Stream, Repeat all on America's best network. T Mobile is that feeling you never fast forward. We're scoring rewards and extras every day and having endless nights streaming our favorite shows. You won't believe what you can get with T Mobile. Switch today, shop online, in store or on the app, visit t mobile.com receive Hulu with ads and Netflix Standard with ads while you maintain a qualifying experience beyond Line in good standing, T Mobile is the best mobile Network in the US based on analysis by Ookla of speed test intelligence data 28 2025Hey, I'm

[Will Friedle]

Freddie Prinz Jr. And I talk a lot about twists, turns and the unexpected moments that happen inside the ring on Wrestling With Freddy. But the one thing I've learned Never turn your back on your opponents in the ring unless you have your tag partner with you. It helps to have backup, like real life backup, the kind you can call when life throws you something unexpected. That's when I recommend you reach out to your State Farm agent. They can help you choose the coverage you need before anything happens, and they're ready to help you file a claim when it does. When it's something out of the ordinary or just part of everyday life, it's good to know someone's in your corner. Like a good neighbor. State Farm is there, and thanks to State Farm's support of Michael Tura Podcast Network, you can catch new episodes of Wrestling with Freddie wherever you listen to podcasts.

[Angela Yee]

Imagine never having to buy gas again. Sounds like a dream. Except it's real. That's everyday life with an electric vehicle. No long lines at the pump. Just plug in at home and go. EVs are as easy to charge as your phone and built for real life. Most Americans drive about 40 miles a day, and most EVs go 200 to 400 miles on a single charge. And with fewer moving parts, you've got fewer repairs and style. There are hundreds of new and used EV models to choose from an EV to fit every lifestyle and every budget. Learn more @electric4all Dawg.

[Will Friedle]

So upset, obviously, she returns outside and calls the test an insult. She reminds the sheriff that citizens pay his salary through taxes, and as a result, she gets arrested. The shocked crowd watches on as she's put in the police car. One of the protesters calls the cops a racist like Hitler, and out of nowhere the sheriff punches him in the stomach, then arrests him too.

[Sabrina Bryant]

But Even though they. And they portrayed it pretty well as far as Disney goes. Right. Like, it didn't go over the top with. With her, but the way he is manhandling her and getting aggressive, putting her in the car was obviously to provoke that anger from the group.

[Will Friedle]

Sure.

[Sabrina Bryant]

You know what I mean? Like, especially with being a woman, you know? And so of course they're thinking, oh, if I do this to a woman, one of the guys is going to step up and start trying to swing or whatever, you know, and it's just like, oh, you're just such a jerk.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, you do you just get. You do you just sit there angry for.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yes. I mean, that would have floored me had someone done that in front of me today with another woman. Like, you know what I mean? Just. Just not necessarily in any way. Rough housing a woman into a cop car, like that would have. It would have got my heart going and my. I'm for sure my mouth would have gotten. I mean, of course, hands down, it's.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. So it's. But. But, you know, as they show back in the day, anytime the black community stood up, especially in the south in the 60s, they were marching with peace and met with violence.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

So we're gonna sing and you're gonna attack us with sticks. I mean, horrifying.

[Sabrina Bryant]

And the. Even the idea of him saying they could have gotten in trouble because there was more than three of them at one time, like, yeah, there's 17 of you and there's three of us are bothering you? Are you kidding?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, it's.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Oh, my gosh.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Sabrina Bryant]

So wild.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, Wild. And an everyday occurrence for black people throughout this country in the south, in the. In the 60s. I mean, just horrible. Everyone is silent as the cop asks Cheyenne why she's there. She replies to be free. Dr. King and Jonathan love her answer, but the sheriff tells her to go home. She looks to Jonathan for advice and does end up leaving. And with that, everyone else is placed under arrest and herded like sheep off to jail. When Cheyenne returns to school later, Ms. Bright is mad again. Cheyenne reveals she's been marching and Dr. King was arrested. Her teacher is quick to remind her they don't talk about that stuff in class. But since Cheyenne is clearly emotional right now, the teacher decides they can broach the subject. Ms. Bright explains that some white people just don't want them to vote because that'll mean that black people could overcome their surroundings and actually make changes, and white people want to keep their control intact. She writes freedom on the chalkboard and tells Cheyenne. She won't tell her parents that she skipped school, but Cheyenne proudly says, thank you, ma'. Am. I will. In the jail, policemen have cleared the cell so Dr. King and his black followers can enter the next day with the girls at school, Rachel's parents admit that they're proud their daughter wants a better life. And with that, Jonathan finally returns home from jail. He was released, but Dr. King is still in custody. Jimmy and Willie then arrive and they were released from jail as well. The three want to register more voters, knowing that even just one can make a difference, but decide to eat first at the west house. Back in Ms. Bright's class, the teacher mentions their discussion about freedom the other day and says as a result, the teachers voted to march, so class has been canceled. The class celebrates and follow their teacher to the church to help make a statement. Meanwhile, Sheriff Potts has been alerted about the walkout. And since he thinks the teachers are the smartest blacks in town, he wonders if they've all gone crazy. Back outside the courthouse, the teachers are singing in unison as the mayor and sheriff watch on from across the street. The mayor doesn't want any problems from these highly regarded members of their community, but the sheriff argues they're still unlawfully gathered, but since the teachers being thrown in jail would be terrible optics, the mayor instructs the sheriff to just let them protest. Now, on their day off from school, Cheyenne and Rachel are outside the courthouse, waiting in a long line for a colored water fountain. Cheyenne notices that no one's waiting at the white fountain, so she cautiously tiptoes over with her cup and starts to fill it. That's when a nearby white kid calls her a very horrible slur and knocks the cup out of her hand. Cheyenne runs back to Rachel and joins Ms. Bright in the protest. The teacher is thankful for Cheyenne's interest in voting and freedom. She's already made a real difference at their school. Now, later in the day, Cheyenne and Rachel are doing schoolwork outside. Cheyenne wants her parents to join the movement so badly, so when Jonathan arrives, Cheyenne asks him to help her in her recruitment of her dad, and he promises that he will talk to him on her behalf. Back at the jail, the sheriff is bragging to two white visitors about their most famous inmate, Dr. Martin Luther King. He promises to keep him around a little while longer to show off their Southern hospitality. They're literally treating him like an animal in a zoo. And now Jonathan has arrived with Mr. West to talk to Cheyenne's dad about the movement. They congregate at the dinner table But Cheyenne's dad says he just doesn't have time. He mentions his oldest daughter, Vivian, who was in the movement and got arrested, so they had to send her up north for her own good. And now he's lost her completely. He's not going to let another child of his join the movement. He just isn't hearing it now. The thing I liked about this is all he cared about was her safety. And, like, I just don't want you to involve. Because I lost a daughter. But he was never angry about it.

[Sabrina Bryant]

No.

[Will Friedle]

You know, it was. I think you easily could have gone the route of. Because I said so. And we're not gonna. I don't want to hear this anymore. You're staying home and out of danger. But it was never like that. It was. It was from a place of love and from a place of. I. I'm not gonna lose you too. Right. Which was very powerful, I thought.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Absolutely. And I feel like. I mean, he's. He wasn't wrong to be nervous.

[Will Friedle]

Hell, no.

[Sabrina Bryant]

And not excited about his daughter wanting to be a part of something that was very dangerous.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Right. Like, I mean, it would. Like even just that. That one scene with the cross in front of the church with the Ku Klux Klan guys was scary enough to go. There are people that are off their rocker here. Like, you don't know who is ever going to be around the wrong corner and when you're involved in something like this. But you're right. I did love how he never got angry. He was never mad at her. He was just trying to be the parent. That's saying, I'm just trying to keep you safe.

[Will Friedle]

Yep. That's what my. Your safety is my only priority. Right?

[Sabrina Bryant]

Right.

[Will Friedle]

Back at the courthouse, the group has congregated again to see Dr. King finally released from the steps. He preaches and says they're not going to take it anymore. Meanwhile, Reverend Jonathan and the boys are still going door to door to register black voters. But no one wants to put a target on their back. People are getting fired from their jobs just for speaking up. Later that night, the Reverend chats with Cheyenne and Rachel on the stoop. They all wish on a star, which Jonathan thinks are deceased loved ones. Sensing her wish, Jonathan gives Cheyenne his enamel cross pin from his church. The next day, Cheyenne is awakened by her mom saying, oh, my God. And everyone is gathered at the church while helping someone register to vote. Jimmy was shot by a trooper and died an hour ago. Everyone's obviously distraught and crying, especially Cheyenne. Nobody can believe something so senseless was allowed to happen. Now at Jimmy's funeral, Dr. King explains that his death is going to try their principles of non violence. But they must stay strong and remember that God has a plan. The church choir sings their hearts out and Reverend Jonathan is obviously amazingly sad and distraught because he was there when it happened and actually saw the murder.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Later, Cheyenne visits Dr. King in his office. He says he has a daughter her age and sometimes he thinks about Jimmy's mom and admits he has trouble keeping his faith. Knowing what she's going through at this. That's always what goes in my head. It's like, how can you watch all this and still keep moving forward and still preaching and staying with the nonviolence? It's a, a level of passion and peace and love and commitment to. I just couldn't imagine the game.

[Sabrina Bryant]

But also thinking for him especially, I'm sure his family was under direct attack and you know, in such a vulnerable place during all of this, you know, them trying to target him through them.

[Will Friedle]

Well, this was 65, so he was murdered three years later. I mean, Dr. King only has three years left to live at this point. I believe if memory serves, he was killed in 1968. So I mean this is, it's. Yeah, it's really incredible. Now at the same time, Jonathan and Willie are having car troubles. Pulled over on the side of the bridge. Willie has noticed that people are much more willing to listen and register. After Jimmy was killed, Jonathan reveals that he made a promise to Jimmy to rally voters in Marion, his hometown. Then tells the story about the night he died. Jimmy was just trying to pray when a state trooper attacked him. Jimmy was nonviolent, but he was still shot and killed. Willie is adamant they must start fighting back. He's been talking to other young people in Selma and they all agree it's time to get more confrontational. Jonathan asks what the Bible would say and Willie reminds the reverend. An eye for an eye. That night we see Cheyenne writing in what we think is a journal, but it actually turns out to be her own obituary. Cheyenne Webb, 11 years old, was killed today in Selma. She was one of Dr. King's freedom fighters. She was a student at Abbott Street School. Selma. Cheyenne wanted all people to be free and happy. Then she. Yeah, I know, it's, oh, this got me. This got me.

[Sabrina Bryant]

I was, I was down for the count.

[Will Friedle]

Like a number of things in this movie just ripped my heart out.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

Then she cuts an article about Jimmy out of the newspaper. The headline reads, one dead after troopers attack Civil rights marchers at night. Just then, her mother walks in and Cheyenne admits she's scared of dying young. Her mom doesn't get it, so Cheyenne explains, if they can shoot Jimmy, they can shoot anybody here, maybe even me. Her mom promises no one will hurt her baby, but still warns her to be careful. In town the next day, Reverend Jonathan spots Father Whitaker and says hello. Father Whitaker asks what he's been up to and Jonathan says he's still happily part of the civil rights movement, though he's saddened by what's happened lately. Father Whitaker heard about Jimmy and agrees it's very sad. Jonathan explains that by encouraging segregation, he's actually participating in his death. The father says he doesn't encourage segregation. He just believes that black people are more comfortable within their own kind. Jonathan leaves, saying he doesn't think God wants people to be divided. Back at church, Dr. King is concerned because people expect him to lead the march, but he has to work in Washington D.C. john and Hosea assure him that they have it covered and people will understand. But it might not even matter because the governor has rescinded their marching permit, claiming it's not in the public interest. But the mayor is not excited by this proclamation. He warns the police, don't let it get out of hand, especially with Sheriff Potts out of town. It's time for the march and the crowd is much bigger than expected. The leaders are concerned though. They don't have a permit and women and children showed up to march, obviously and this could get bad. But they're thinking with Sheriff Potts out of town, it might be their best chance to cause some change. Back at Cheyenne, she's too excited for the march to even eat breakfast. Sensing her dad still might approve, she politely asks if he wants her to stay home. He tells her to do what she thinks is right. And a completely different type of prep is happening across the city. At the police station, Sheriff Potts has actually rushed home from Washington D.C. and is giving random white guys police badges to defend the city against the march. He's just deputizing people and handing them sticks. Horrifying. And over at the church, John and Hosea are telling the large group what to do if they're tear gassed. Cheyenne is still so innocently excited, showing Jonathan her marching shoes. The group begins the 54 mile march with a freedom song to start the day. They eventually get to the Edmund Pettus Bridge and slowly make their way across it, holding hands at American flags. But only halfway they stop dead in their tracks. Dozens of officers, both officially in Uniform and citizens they just recruited are patiently waiting on the other side. John and Hosea take a deep breath and continue their march. Now face to face with the police. The march is called an unlawful assembly, meaning they have two minutes to disperse. It's a silent standoff as the clock counts down and just like that, officers are instructed to quote, break these people up. The cops charge into battle. It's a one sided affair of billy clubs and tear gas as peaceful protesters scream in pain and run at full speed away as fast as they can. Even with the gassed marchers retreating home, the police don't let up, chasing after them to attack, following them all back to their homes. Cheyenne has been thrown to the ground and is having trouble breathing. Eventually Reverend Jonathan comes to rescue her and grabs her and starts to flee. As the sheriff barks out commands, he drops her and Rachel off at their house and tells their parents to lock the door. Now safe inside and crying, Cheyenne cries to her father, you said be careful, but I thought you were just being a daddy. He calls her brave and tells her to relax. That night, Cheyenne decides to visit church, now set up with a triage area where everyone is still reeling and healing. Reverend Jonathan is helping the wounded and spirits are obviously very low. As Cheyenne surveys the dismal scene, she decides to do the only thing she can and she starts to sing that same freedom song. The entire church immediately joins in. No one can stop them. And this was another moment where I was like, ugh, like one of those gutted kind of amazing moments.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yeah, you know, I love this aspect of for it to be the child of the group that stands up and reminds them of their cause, reminds them of what they're fighting for.

[Will Friedle]

Really amazing.

[Wilmer Valderrama]

Hi, this is Wilmer Valderrama from those Amigos. Neeson wanted to test the capabilities of the new Pathfinder, but not in a lab, not on paper. So they went looking for the most creative minds they could find and asked three kids to imagine the ultimate adventure. Then a Hollywood director and his stunt team brought that drawing to life, turning imagination into a real measurable test of the power of need. Nissan every challenge is 100 real. No tricks, no shortcuts, just pure V6 engine power. That's quality, reliability and durability. And it's why JD Power ranks Nissan number one in new vehicle quality among mainstream brands. Discover how the new Nissan Pathfinder turns the unthinkable into the unforgettable. For J.D. power 2025 U.S. initial Quality Study Award information, visit J.D. power.com Awards Awards based on 2025 model year. Newer models may be shown you know

[Angela Yee]

what's always on my list? Me time. That's why streaming me shows favoritos after a long day is always on my to do. And now that I'm a T Mobile member, my streaming feels upgraded with T Mobile's best plan. I get Hulu and Netflix included, all on America's best network. And have you experienced their connection? It's on another level and the perks of give joy 365247 I'm talking $5 movie tickets and access to exclusive experiences which make me very chill. So if you've been thinking about switching seriously, you won't believe what you can get with T Mobile. Switch today and shop online, in store or on the app you choose. Visit t mobile.com for more info. Receive Hulu with ads and Netflix Standard with ads. While you maintain a qualifying experience, be online in good standing. T Mobile is the best mobile Network in the US based on analysis by Ookla of speed test intelligence data 2H2025

[Will Friedle]

hey, I'm Freddie Prinze Jr. And I talk a lot about twists, turns and the unexpected moments that happened inside the ring on Wrestling With Freddy. But the one thing I've learned Never turn your back on your opponents in the ring unless you have your tag partner with you. It helps to have backup, like real life backup, the kind you can call when life throws you something unexpected. That's when I recommend you reach out to your State Farm agent. They can help you choose the coverage you need before anything happens, and they're ready to help you file a claim when it does. When it's something out of the ordinary or just part of everyday life, it's good to know someone's in your corner. Like a good neighbor. State Farm is there, and thanks to State Farm's support of Michael Tura Podcast Network, you can catch new episodes of Wrestling with Freddy wherever you listen to podcasts.

[Angela Yee]

Imagine never having to buy gas again. Sounds like a dream. Except it's real. That's everyday life with an electric vehicle. No long lines at the pump. Just plug in at home and go. EVs are as easy to charge as your phone and built for real life. Most Americans drive about 40 miles a day, and most EVs go 200 to 400 miles on a single charge. And with fewer moving parts, you've got fewer repairs and style. There are hundreds of new and used EV models to choose from, an EV to fit every lifestyle and every budget. Learn [e-mail]

[Will Friedle]

and now it's March 15th, and Lyndon Johnson is speaking on the TV. He condemns the actions of Bloody Sunday and demands equal rights for millions of oppressed Americans. Dr. King has returned to Salem and is happy to hear about the president's newly announced civil rights bill. But Dr. King knows that this isn't the end. What the President says is one thing, but they need the local government to follow orders. John and Hosea suggest marching again, but Dr. King is wary about pushing it too far. But he admits that this is the moment to maintain their commitment to nonviolence. And yet downtown, there are still marches and celebrations being monitored and discouraged by the police. The city has set up a barricade they're calling the wall that no black people can go beyond. Tension is rising, and back home, Cheyenne asked Reverend Jonathan if he's going down there to the wall to protest. He says he is, but first he wants to recruit some others. As he drives off, Cheyenne tells him to stay safe. Jonathan and Willie stop by a gas station to fill up, but are told by the owner they don't serve black people. Jonathan insists it's his car, and the man gives in, but asks why he hangs around with people like that. The reverend tries to reason with the racist, but he eventually just sprays him with gasoline and tells him to watch his back. Over at the wall, police are on standby, ready to attack if instructed. Jonathan and Willie are now papering the neighborhood and talking to residents. But they know the wall can only stand for so long. Willie doesn't care if it means more bloodshed. It's time to send a message. But Reverend Jonathan praises patience, hope, and God. And just then, a cop arrives and notices the flyers. He immediately arrests Jonathan, Willie for, of course, quote, unquote, defacing property. Then, after spending some more time in a cell, Jonathan is set free. But Willie is kept behind bars. The reverend promises he'll get him out. And so now Jonathan is walking the streets and very paranoid when he notices he's being followed. It's one of the Klansmen from before. At least he thinks it is. Now asking him questions and acting very threatening. Jonathan tries to explain his motives of love and peace, but the man pushes him against the wall and pulls out a gun. And just like that, he's killed in broad daylight. Now, I do want to say something here because I, I, as I said, I googled everybody. And so when I googled his story, his story is actually even more amazing than what they did in the the film. Really what happened was he, he. And I think they kind of put an amalgamation of the characters. So I think they made it Willie. But in real life, he and another black protester were put in jail. When they were. Were released from jail, they met up with two. He also taught a lot of children how to read in Selma and in the town. That was one of the things he was doing. He was helping the children of the town and he was registering voters. He ended up going with two young black girls, teenagers, to the only place in town that served the young black people drinks, serve them sodas. So they were going to get sodas during the middle of the day, four of them, when a white man stepped on the porch and said the stores closed and raised a shotgun at the four of them. The reverend grabbed the shotgun and pushed it to the side while he pushed one of the girls aside. The guy shot him and killed him right there while the other black teen he was with threw the girl behind the car and he was shot as well. So he literally died saving other people's lives.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Oh, my gosh.

[Will Friedle]

As. As he was there and as I'm reading the story, one of the things that was attached to the story was a letter he had written his mother from jail saying, like, I'm in jail again. They just keep arresting me, but I'm keeping with my faith. It's really, truly an amazing story. Which then led me down the rabbit hole of the two girls that actually wrote the. The book, what their lives are doing now. It's really. This was one of those movies that I just stopped and just started Googling everybody involved. So check out the stories of these people. They're really amazing. Cheyenne returns home to see Rachel and their families crying on the stoop. Cheyenne breaks the news about Jonathan. And everyone of course, was sobbing, including me. At this point. I don't cry much, but I teared up, which for me is the equivalent of sobbing. And now we are at Jonathan's funeral, another funeral. Dr. King is praising the work of the reverend and reminding the congregation that this is everyone's fighting, not just that of black people. Father Whitaker and Sally are also in attendance. Everyone says their final goodbyes and Cheyenne whispers to the coffin that there will be another star in the sky tonight. And I was like, oh God, it killed me. She will keep an eye out. The girls give their condolences to Jonathan's family and leave for the park where they just sit and cry. Obviously they just can't find any energy to play anymore. They tell Ms. Bright how angry they are. They just want to hurt somebody in retaliation. But their teacher reminds them, you can't hurt someone else just because you're hurting inside. There's a reason for everything. But Cheyenne doesn't believe in the movement anymore. Ms. Bright reminds her Jonathan wouldn't want her to give up. They need to keep pushing because God is testing her strength. And then it's Cheyenne's birthday. Her dad reveals her gift, his own marching shoes. He's going to be joining her today. And she's so happy, she jumps into his arms with a huge bear hug. And so Dr. King is back and ready to march. But now, with legal permission to do so, they're going to march over that bridge and this time no one's going to turn them around. The group, now much noticeably larger and with more white allies, starts the trek singing freedom songs and standing strong. When they get to the edge of the bridge, officers are once again waiting for him. But now they're accompanied by the mayor who demands the sheriff remove the barricades immediately. He begrudgingly follows orders, allowing Dr. King to lead the way to their destination. As they progress, we get some updates. In August of 1965, President Johnson did in fact sign the Voting Rights act into law. Cheyenne is still in Alabama and now directs a youth program for children of all races. Rachel is also still in Alabama and her brother was a two term city councilman. And now every year on the third Sunday in February, a memorial service is held in Marion for Jimmie Lee Jackson. And Jonathan Daniels was canonized by the church in 1994. He's now included in the calendar of saints. And that is our movie. There's no laughs in this one, guys, nor should there be. But this is an important movie that everyone should watch. Really good. Can we do some real reviews?

[Sabrina Bryant]

Yes. I've got the five star this week from George C. This movie is one of my all time faves. It never cease to inspire me. So good.

[Will Friedle]

And okay, so it's difficult to find bad reviews of this movie, I'll be honest. But when you do, it usually involves some changes that were made for the movie and this is the most common. And it's what we were just talking about. Talking about. I watched this movie, was outraged at the portrayal of the murder of the young Episcopal Sumerian Jonathan Daniels. The movie showed him being shot while alone on a side street in Selma. In reality was killed by a shotgun in Haynesville as he pushed Ruby Sales out of the line of fire. A Roman Catholic priest was also wounded in the attack. The Disney version does a great Injustice to Jonathan's memory and to the heroism of the priest who was wounded. Agreed. By the way. Yes. Can we. Do you have a Sabrina Sees? Are we doing Sabrina Sees? Should we not do Sabrina's Ease?

[Sabrina Bryant]

I think it's just more of the season of, like, kind of like what we've already said. The shock. One of the things that I felt was a little, I guess, questionable. Cause again, the movie was so good. When we get to the church, you know, when Cheyenne's going there to sing. This clearly was a place that was not a comfortable place to be, this town of Selma, and was not safe for especially the youth. It kind of shocked me. It's just one of those things. Like, once we saw. We were in the church and we see Rachel's parents were there and so was the priest, Jonathan. And I'm like, if they were going there anyway, why wouldn't they have been walking the kids? That kind of was kind of like a. Oh, my gosh. Like, if this place was really, which I believe it was very unsafe for two young girls to be walking around by themselves and they were going there. So that was just kind of like a. Oh, my gosh. And then there was one moment where, again, it was kind of just looking at, like, I had never seen. It just was a moment that I had never seen any of the pictures of the videos and things that I have seen that documented Dr. Luther King's journey with him in, like, such a casual outfit. He was at one point in, like, a denim top and jeans, and I was like, I'd only ever seen him in suits. Everything that I've seen from what I have watched over the years. So that was just like a thing like, oh, he's look at Mr. Mr. King Jr. All casual. That's literally the only thing it was. And then the jail tours drove me crazy. This tour of a jail with a random white couple.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, I think that was famous. They used to do that quite a bit with Nelson Mandela, too. They used to constantly bring tours in his prison in South Africa to just show him off in prison.

[Sabrina Bryant]

That's just the strangest thing.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, I couldn't. I couldn't wrap my head around most of this. I just. I don't have the context. I've just. No, that's the privileged life you get to lead when you watch things like this. And you just can't relate in any way, shape or form to the lives that some people have and had. Yes. So it's. Yeah, this is an important film. And because it's Such an important film. And I don't feel right doing one of our feature games this week. It just doesn't seem like we should. It seems weird. We're also not gonna do a whole bunch of options. We're gonna do one out of 10. When we rank civil rights leaders is what we're gonna rank this week. And I think this time you go first. So what did you think?

[Sabrina Bryant]

I loved this movie. However, you know me, I love living on a bright shiny rainbow filled with glitter and pixie dust.

[Will Friedle]

Right.

[Sabrina Bryant]

So the more serious movies, I do love watching them as well. I love watching period pieces that help teach about history that has happened. And the actors in this movie I thought were wonderful. I thought they were so good. And I thought this movie was, like I said earlier, done in such a great Disney way. It was heavy. The seriousness was there, it was felt.

[Will Friedle]

But.

[Sabrina Bryant]

But it didn't go, I would say into the actual level of graphics. That it could have been like, it could have been very gory. It could have been, you know, to where you wouldn't really as like a younger audience wouldn't be able to handle and that it was done for an all family audience. And so I really loved this. I thought I 100% have been locking it into my bank as far as things that I want my kids to see at some point when they're ready for it. So this is right up there with Color of Friendship for me. I'm giving this one a 10 civil rights leaders.

[Will Friedle]

You're right up there with me again. Disney can do it sometimes where they just punch in the gut. We've seen a couple of these. And again, when you take these incredibly important moments and put them through the eyes of a child, especially when it's a true story, again like Color of Friendship or like, like something like this, it really takes it to another level. I mean again, Selma, brilliant film. And you're watching all these movies that are incredible about the, the this Time in the South. But again, to, to take it through the eyes of an 11 year old girl who's going through all this, who's finding the movement herself, who has her whole life ahead of her and is wondering what the world's gonna be like for her, her when she grows up. It really just takes it to kind of another level. Then filmmaking wise is what I look at next. Obviously when I'm looking at my scores, it was beautifully made. I also, when I ever do a, when I look at any kind of period piece, I'm one of those guys with the hawkeyes looking for are there any modern cars driving by in the background by accident are the outfits have and this seemed impeccable.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Everything seemed so authentic.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, it really did. It really did. It was. And this is one that you should watch. And again, you're probably right. If you've got a five or six year old kid, probably not the best thing. 11 or 12 though. 10, 10, 11, 12. This is one to sit down and watch with the family. It's a very, very heavy, emotional, important movie. And it does. It shows what Disney can do when they want to go the serious route. And they did it well. So I'm giving it nine civil rights leaders. This was a great movie. Well, thank you everybody for joining us on obviously what is not supposed to be nor was it going to be a funny episode of Magical Rewind. This is an important episode of Magical Rewind. We hope. We hope at least let's say the episode of Magical Rewind might not have been important, but the film was.

[Sabrina Bryant]

The film was.

[Will Friedle]

And as important as the film was, the subject matter is extraordinarily important. So please go and check it out and never forget, we have a backlog of recaps and interviews featuring some of your favorite names in Disney history just waiting for you to listen. Just search for Magical Rewind wherever you get your podcast and subscribe so you know you can be there for every time they're released. We got some great ones coming up and for more information you can follow us at Magical Rewind Pod on the Instagram machine. Bye, everybody.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Bye.

[Wilmer Valderrama]

Hi, this is Wilmer Valderrama from those Amigos. Nissan wanted to test the capabilities of the new Pathfinder, but not in a lab, not on paper. So they went looking for the most creative minds they could find and asked three kids to imagine the ultimate adventure. Then a Hollywood director and his stunt team brought that drawing to life, turning imagination into a real, measurable test of the power of Nissan. Every challenge is 100 real. No tricks, no shortcuts, just pure V6 engine power. That's quality, reliability and durability. And it's why JD Power ranks Nissan number one in new vehicle quality among mainstream brands. Discover how the new Nissan Pathfinder turns the unthinkable into the unforgettable. For J.D. power 2025 U.S. initial Quality Study Award information, visit J.D. power.com Awards Awards based on 2025 model year. Newer models may be shown.

[Angela Yee]

This is Angela Yee from Angela Yee's Lip Service. Every day, Planned Parenthood health centers across the country open their doors and provide high quality expert health care.

[Sabrina Bryant]

That's no simple task when lawmakers are trying to block access to life saving

[Angela Yee]

care like birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing, abortion and more. At Planned Parenthood, care continues because they believe your body is your business and being able to control your own body. That's the most basic freedom there is. So Planned Parenthood won't back down. Visit I'mforpp.org to learn more and get involved.

[Sabrina Bryant]

Sink into Affordable Luxury annabe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out. With stain resistant slipcovers and a cloud like frame duvet. Everything goes right in the wash. Plus the modular design lets you change the look of your space anytime. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your home shop up to 6 60% off site wide with sofas starting at just $699 and a 30 day money back guarantee. Shop now at washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Angela Yee]

Imagine never having to buy gas again. Sounds like a dream. Except it's real. That's everyday life with an electric vehicle. No long lines at the pump, just plug in at home and go. EVs are as easy to charge as your phone and built for real life. Most Americans drive about 40 miles a day and most EVs go 200 to 400 miles on a single charge. And with fewer moving parts, you've got fewer repairs and style. There are hundreds of new and used EV models to choose from. An EV to fit every lifestyle and every budget. Learn [e-mail] this is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.