As part of the Martin Luther King Program, the WSU Student Entertainment Board will be showing three films from now through the end of January that display and represent Martin Luther King Jr.’s values.

Devin Mendenhall, arts and programs coordinator for SEB, said the films were decided between SEB and the MLK Program committee around the themes of “A Raisin in the Sun”.

“Media is powerful,” Mendenhall said. “…[movies] can help us understand what it is life is like for people of different races, cultures, social status, religions, etc. These films deal with many of MLK’s most passionate topics from housing issues, to income equality, to human rights.”

The first film is “A Raisin in the Sun” on Jan. 16. Adapted from the famous 1959 play of the same name, the film is about a black family who receives an insurance payout and struggles to improve their circumstances, according to the MLK Program website.

The second film, showing on Jan. 21, is “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.” The movie centers around a black man seeking to reclaim his grandfather’s house, as well as reconnect with his family and community. 

On Jan. 30, the SEB will show the final film, “Moonlight,” about a young black man growing up and discovering his sexuality, identity and the realities of adulthood, according to CougSync.

Mendenhall said he doesn’t think of these films as “black films,” because everyone can relate to them. He said he hopes students use these films to reflect and discuss.

“Watch them and then have a conversation,” Mendenhall said. “What did you feel? What did you understand? What did you not understand? How did someone else feel and why?”

The movies will start at 6 p.m. in the CUB Auditorium on their respective days. The movies are free to students and the public.