First Baptist Whatley Street will host a “Movie and a Message” event featuring a speaker from the Southern Poverty Law Center on Sat., July 21.

Jonathan Barry-Blocker, staff attorney for criminal justice reform, will discuss landmark civil rights cases that have helped shape the country, modern day civil rights work, and recent standout SPLC cases including those that have been argued in front of the Supreme Court of the United States.

He will also discuss career opportunities within the criminal justice and legal fields, possible internships available within the SPLC, as well as potential scholarship opportunities available.

The SPLC will also provide insight into the Alabama Voting Rights Project, a collaborative SPLC initiative to register and assist voters throughout Alabama.

The event is being coordinated to coincide with the SPLC’s voter registration outreach program, which also will visit Andalusia that day.

Pastor Darryl Calloway Sr. said one of the reasons for hosting the event is because young people need to get a clear, concise understanding of the time when they did not have the right to vote.

“This goes all the way back to women not being able to vote,” he said. “You have a chance and an opportunity now to let your voice be heard because someone sacrificed for you.”

He said it’s important for the church to help care for people in a holistic way – spiritually and civically.

“Your spiritual well being and civil well being affect one another,” he said. “We need to bind the community together again, and we’ve got to do things that are right.”

The event, which is free, begins at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Whatley Street. For additional information, please contact Darrell Thomas at 678.825.5238 or email us at fbcwhatley@gmail.com.