Selma, AL (March 2021) – Over a half-century and 10 days have passed since peaceful marchers were met with brutal police violence On March 7, 1965, on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The nation then and to the present day, was forced to face the ugliness of its actions to continue the oppression of Africans brought to America against their will, in order to continue racial injustice.
The civil rights movement experienced stratospheric highs and devastating lows, as it was before, after, and to this day. An end to the fight is yet to come – it’s not over. One doesn’t have to look far to see the recent rise in blatant racism, anti-Semitism, and many acts of hatred and intolerance proving that the players did not change – they were just passing the baton in their race to continue the same inequity and injustice African-American elders and ancestors faced years ago that are just as insidious today.
Honor is given to those who tread the pate for us. This 65th-anniversary celebration is an opportunity to learn from forebearers, and to build upon the path of steadfastness, strength, strategy, courage, and for the many who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and justice.
we must be as dedicated as our forbearers were to galvanize, strategize and organize as
The virtual weekend celebration included elders who served alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that included; Ambassador Andrew Young, Rev. Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Marie Foster, Amelia Boynton-Robinson, and Dr. Robert L. Green. They are treasure troves of wisdom and insight. We would be remiss not to acknowledge them and other icons in the movement, even as we strive to take the movement forward.
The theme of the 56th Anniversary Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee was “Beyond the Bridge: People Power, Political Power, Economic Power.”
History is filled with examples of the victories won when we work together for common goals. There is no “old guard” and “new guard” when it comes to oppression; evil has not stopped to rest and it is always looking to recruit. The enemies of equity and justice don’t draw a line in the sand to delineate between one generation of supporters and another — and neither can we. This is, indeed, our grandparents’ movement. We can only hope to carry on their indomitable legacy and pray we make them proud.
On behalf of the dedicated individuals who have banded together to create this, our first-ever completely virtual experience, I want to thank you for joining us as we make “history on top of history.” Thank you for spending this weekend with us, and please invite your friends and family to do the same; there’s something for everyone. Even after the Virtual Bridge Crossing is over and the sweet sounds of the gospel have closed out the Jubilee on March 7th, the 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, we invite you to stay close and stay connected. You see, we’re not simply moving from Jubilee to Jubilee. We’re already planning educational, entertaining, informative, and empowering events that will take place throughout the year. It’s a new direction for us; we’re excited to keep the dialogue flowing and the community growing — and we hope to be able to gather in person for the 57th-anniversary event in 2022.
We hope this Jubilee weekend leaves you inspired, encouraged, and confident in the power of your own voice and your ability to make a difference. If you’re already a part of the work, we salute you. If you aren’t yet a part of the work, we encourage you to find a way to get involved. Together, we are unstoppable.
Drew Glover
Principal Coordinator
Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, Inc.
During a time when voting rights are under attack, acknowledging our nation’s history and the fight for civil rights is more important than ever.
For 56 years, the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee has honored the legacy of American nonviolent activists who marched from Selma to Montgomery to demonstrate the desire for African-American citizens to exercise their right to vote. While those activists like the late Congressman John Lewis, C.T. Vivian, and Joseph Lowrey led the march, their work continues in all of us today. By highlighting racial injustice, they contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act that year, and now, we aim to carry the torch.
In 2021, The Bridge Crossing Jubilee is rising to the challenges of a global pandemic by hosting this important annual event VIRTUALLY March 5th-7th. Like many other organizations and events, we are prioritizing the health and safety of our friends and neighbors in Selma during this time.
Our annual event, one of the largest civil rights acknowledgments of civil rights history in the country, will be broadcast around the world to commemorate Bloody Sunday, the Selma-to-Montgomery March, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
This means we need your help.
Our theme this year is “Beyond the Bridge: People Power, Political Power, Education Power”, and the funds raised will be used to create an intergenerational experience focused on educational forums, an increase in voter registration, community organizing, youth leadership and development training, scholarships, economic symposia, and building national and international partnerships focused on social justice issues, continuing the work of the civil rights movement “beyond the bridge”.
In the spirit of our ancestors and so many who have put their lives on the line, find YOUR bridge to liberty and equality, pick up the beat of the sacred drum, and join us on this march!
Click on any video below to open in a new browser window.
- Project Say Something
- Frank Hardy – Behind the Art
- Interview with Mrs. Alice West – Resident of Selma, AL
- Foot Soldier Interview – Albert Southall
- Foot Soldier Interview – Charles Dubose
- Foot Soldier Interview – Denise Jardigan Holt
- Foot Soldier Interview – Dr. Mae Taylor Richmond
- Foot Soldier Interview – Eliza Ann Caver
- Foot Soldier Interview – Harriman Johnson
- Foot Soldier Interview – Kirt Douglas Carrington Sr.
- Foot Soldier Interview – Leroy Moton
- Foot Soldier Interview – Linda Blackman Lowery
- Foot Soldier Interview – Reverend Evelyn Manna
- Descendants of the Courageous 8 – Alan Reese
- Descendants of the Courageous 8 – Carolyn Doyle King and Shannah Tharp Gillian
- Descendants of the Courageous 8 – Carver Ann Boynton
- Descendants of the Courageous 8 – Phillip B. Hunter
- Descendants of the Courageous 8 – Rosemarie Foster Davis
ABOUT: The Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee is committed to the commemoration and preservation of civil rights. The Jubilee aims to inspire people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds to respect and appreciate the power of their vote.