The Movie 'Miss Virginia' Powerfully Dramatizes the Urgent Need for School Choice

Virginia Walden Ford, the real-life hero of the new film "Miss Virginia" starring Uzo Aduba and Matthew Modine, talks about integrating Little Rock schools and leading the charge to escape failing D.C. public schools.

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What's it like to have your life story told on the big screen?

The new movie Miss Virginia is based on the unlikely story of Virginia Walden Ford, who, as a single mother in Washington, D.C., in the early 2000s, fought to create a federally-funded private school voucher program that would allow poor kids—including her son—to escape failing public schools. Against long odds and institutional hostility, she succeeded and is played with fiery passion by Uzo Aduba ("Orange is the New Black"). Matthew Modine, known for roles in "Full Metal Jacket," "Weeds," and "Stranger Things," co-stars as a sympathetic congressman who helps win congressional authorization for the program.

Walden Ford's own backstory as a student is both harrowing and inspirational. She was among the early waves of black kids that integrated public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas, an experience that informed her actions as a parent. Her memoir of growing up in the segregated South and becoming a major figure in education reform, School Choice: A Legacy To Keep, will be published on November 21. Go here for more information.

In a wide-ranging interview with Reason's Nick Gillespie, Walden Ford discusses the behind-the-scenes story of creating the Opportunity Scholarship Program, which has helped thousands of low-income students in the District of Columbia attend private schools, what it was like to have a cross burned in her yard in Arkansas, the mixed blessing of having an unpopular president (Donald Trump) supporting school choice, and her disappointment with the current crop of Democratic presidential candidates, none of whom support school choice.

[silveravnt]

This is why i stay subscribed to Reason. She's a real hero.

[nparksntx]

I worked in the public schools for 10 years in a non union state. It just really blew my mind that no matter if the teacher was left or right the opposed charter schools and school choice. What I learned is that many don’t care about the child getting the best education possible wherever it may be. They just don’t want to lose money. More money wouldn’t have made the schools better.

[brianschwatka]

"Don't Be Mad Change the World!" That has to be the most inspirational quote I have heard in a long time.

[abrahemsamander]

Corey Booker actually sounds nuanced and informed in that clip. Shame he had to become a sellout.

[starstoryteller]

If my mom didn't speak up for me when I in was entering 1st I would have been stuck in special ed most of my elementary school career. Instead she homeschooled us and we all ended up with college degrees even though my mom bearly had collage herself. When you love your kids you're going to do whatever it takes to get them there.

[steveeric]

Her dad sounds like someone with a lot of wisdom and a good soul. And thank you Virginia for fighting the good fight. Loved this episode ❤️😍💙

[mstrainjr]

This woman is amazing! I'd love to spend a few hours with her just to hear her life stories. I have to see the movie now, even though I'm sure they embellished the events.

[Joshua-vfbm]

Life reminds you sometimes there are still great people in this world:)

[angelapearson]

I really want to THANK Miss. Virginia.
Without her education and fighting for our kids.. (Kids she never got to meet.) My 3 boys would of never made it. My oldest son is autistic with a A.D.D. I had to fight to get him in a good school. He graduated late but with a B average.
I have twins that graduated top students one was salutatorian with a 4.5 GPA. the other was 4.3.... You not only change the world but you have blessed these kids a better life. BIG HUGS. ♥

[abrahemsamander]

She’s such a fascinating lady. I’m gonna check her movie out. We need to spread better ideas for our education. I don’t think vouchers are the best way, I would like a tax specifically for public school parents to fund schools, it has many ideas we should apply to fix the system.

[simplywhittneyk]

Such an amazing movie! More people need to watch this!

[TCato]

Such an amazing mother and change-agent in the community!

[alicewerenka]

What a wonderful movie, best acting in such a long time 👏.
Miss Virginia what a brave, beautiful and selfless task you accomplished, not just for your son but for every single youth. God Bless you!

[juggeist]

Great interview and for a change it isn't ruined by Nick Gilespies commentary.

I remember being bused into inner city schools in Louisville in the early 70's. Guess what they did to us. Made us brush with concentrated fluoride. Look up fluoride and what it does to humans. WW2, prisons. It tempers populations. The highlight was meeting Mohammed Ali. Some of his nieces and nephews went to my school in 3rd grade.

[charltonburrows]

I can't wait the movie about the fight to improve public schools.

[LisaMarie]

Excellent, powerful, determined, loving Woman! Great Movie!

[styxvxn]

Just watched this movie, and I thank God for her push not just got her son but all. 💯 Comment

[montanaprime]

Wow these are the kind of movies i love watching

[qwertyplmdoes]

Intervening on behalf of your own child in school what a revolutionary idea!
"They says that we don't care about our children " more of them get thorn to pieces at mothers request!