One Book, One Community Initiative Hosts Free Screening of 'Just Mercy' Feb. 6

The U of A's One Book, One Community initiative is sponsoring a free screening of Just Mercy at the AMC Theater at Fiesta Square in Fayetteville at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6.

Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy, was the One Book One Community author choice for 2016. The best-selling book was made into a hit movie that was released in December 2019, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Michael B. Jordan.

This event is sponsored by the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Political Science, the School of Social Work, the African and African American Studies Program and Fulbright College Diversity and Inclusion, as well as the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education and the Honors College. 

The movie screening is free and open to all students, but seating is limited and attendees must register for a ticket in advance. Free advance tickets are now available on EventBrite, on a first come, first served basis. There is a limit of two tickets per person, which can be picked up prior to the showing from 5 p.m. onward at the theatre.

Just Mercy follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson through his path from law school into the heart of the South to defend those unrepresented and wrongfully accused. The movie focuses on one of Stevenson's first clients, Walter McMillan, who was sentenced to death for the murder of an 18-year old girl, despite evidence that he was innocent.

Stevenson's fight through this case and other similar stories leads him to question and fight for justice, representation, and racial reconciliation. 

The One Book, One Community initiative, now in its thirteenth year, seeks to bring the campus and community together with a common read. The 2020 One Book, One Community choice will be announced later this semester, and the initiative is actively looking for campus and community partners.

For more information or to share ideas, please visit onebook.uark.edu.