Oprah Winfrey has a message for protestors that echoes a theme in her new movie, Selma -- do it in peace. INSIDE EDITION has more.
Oprah hit the red carpet for the premiere of her new movie, Selma. It's the story of the 1965 voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Oprah produced the film and also plays a woman who tries to register to vote.
Oprah said, "It's one of the important stories of our history, and it's important, not just for African American people to know it, but it's important for our country."
The timing of the movie's release, coinciding with racially charged marches across the nation, was not lost on those present.
Cast members sported "I can't breathe" shirts and raised their arms in the "Don't shoot" pose in a nod to the Ferguson and Eric Garner protests.
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Tyler Perry commented, "In light of everything happening now, this movie is extremely important in the sense that it teaches about protests, and peaceful protests. Not rioting, not looting, not destroying neighborhoods."
Original footage from the 1965 Selma protest known as, "Bloody Sunday," showed peaceful marchers that were charged by state troopers. The protestors were beaten with night sticks and choked with tear gas. The video shocked America and was a turning point for the civil rights movement.
The spirit of that movement was on display this weekend as thousands took to the streets in Washington. Another 25,000 more marched in New York.
But, there were moments of violence. Two police lieutenants were beaten on the famed Brooklyn Bridge. One suffered a broken nose, allegedly by a college professor.
Some protestors were chanting as they marched through Manhattan.
The protestors chanted, "What do we want? Dead cops! When do you want it? Now!"
Oprah urged protestors to take inspiration from the Selma marchers.
She said, "You march with a specific intention, always in peace, always in peace. You cannot be heard unless you are peaceful."
