On the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, we remember a pivotal moment in history when hundreds of peaceful protesters, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, faced brutal police resistance on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. This violent encounter, where protesters were tear-gassed and beaten, including Lewis who suffered a fractured skull, became a catalyst for change, eventually leading to the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Although many original marchers have passed away, their legacy endures as faith leaders, members of Congress, and civil rights veterans gather in Selma to commemorate the event. The weekend will feature various programs, including a service at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, a historic gathering place for activists. A bipartisan congressional delegation will also pay tribute to civil rights veterans, including John Lewis, who led annual pilgrimages to the site.
The 60th anniversary serves as both a remembrance and a call to action. Robert Traynham, of the Faith & Politics Institute, emphasizes the need to apply the lessons of 60 years ago to today’s challenges. This anniversary is especially significant as some states enact measures that restrict the teaching of Black history and impose voting changes that activists argue disenfranchise voters of color.
Margaret Huang from the Southern Poverty Law Center highlights the courage of those who fought for voting rights, insisting that their stories remain vital. The televised violence of Bloody Sunday shocked the nation and played a crucial role in advancing civil rights.
Bryan Stevenson, of the Equal Justice Initiative, notes that the anniversary underscores the ongoing struggle against voter disenfranchisement. Events throughout the weekend, including the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, will honor the legacy of these activists and encourage continued efforts for justice and equality.
Alabama Representative Terri Sewell, alongside other lawmakers, sees this commemoration as an opportunity to inspire protection of democracy and push for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, though it faces significant opposition in Congress. Despite the challenges, efforts to protect voting rights and promote social justice continue, as emphasized by faith leaders and activists who urge a forward march toward a more equitable America.