ET's Nischelle Turner shared an emotional video diary of her time with the cast of Selma over the weekend.
ET's Nischelle Turner shared an emotional video diary of her time with the cast of Selma over the weekend.
Nischelle marched alongside the cast and thousands of others in Selma, Ala. to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where John Legend and Common performed their Oscar-nominated song "Glory."
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"It's about the movement and it's about the people," John told Nischelle. "It's about knowing what happened before and using that as inspiration."
"It's people like Dr. King and leaders who we now get to study to know that these are some of the ways that you change things," Common said.
John and Common's sentiments seemed to echo the majority of those involved. For Nischelle, this was more than just an assignment.
"I'm just honored to be an American No. 1," Nischelle said. "And an African-American No. 2, who is saying 'thank you.' "
In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to ensure voting rights for African-American citizens in that state. According to Selma star David Oyelowo, those efforts won't soon be forgotten.
"The spirit of what happened here still hangs over the place," David said. "Those images -- if you've seen them -- are haunting. They are electrifying. They are motivating. They're inspiring."
Director Ava DuVernay stressed that while we have come a long way as a country since the events of 1965, there is still improvement to be made.
"We can't get complacent," Ava said. "We can't feel comfortable. We always have to -- as progressive people -- keep pushing."
The film only received two Oscar nominations (Best Motion Picture and Best Original Song), but Oprah is grateful.
"We're really happy about what we've got," Oprah said.
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After all, the purpose of the film was more than just awards.
"It really is exactly what you want art to do," Oprah said. "You want art to lift the consciousness and to express ideas and to create conversation and to spark interest ... Nothing can compare to seeing what this does one-on-one, person-to-person, community-to-community."