The 60th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the Selma March to Montgomery will be commemorated this weekend with events focused on the themes of education equity, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Black women judges.
“All of the rights we enjoy today came at a cost, and Selma was at the epicenter of that sacrifice,” said Abina Billups, co-founder of Salute Selma, Inc., which is hosting the events. “We have a responsibility to continue this fight, to honor those who came before us, and to make sure that history is not just remembered—but protected.”
The events commemorate “Bloody Sunday,” March 7, 1965, when demonstrators were beaten by officers as they marched from Selma to the state capitol in Montgomery support of voting rights.
The incident helped catalyze the passage of the Voting Rights Act. A march across the bridge, which is a highlight of the anniversary in Selma every year, is planned for Sunday afternoon.
On Friday, March 7, women legal professionals from around the country will gather for a keynote discussion and awards ceremony.
“The commemoration will also highlight the power of Black women in the judiciary with a national call for all Black women judges to gather in Selma as protectors of democracy,” Salute Selma, Inc. said in a press release in February.
A summit on HBCUs will take place on Friday and Saturday with a reception on Friday evening and a panel discussion with civil rights leaders on Saturday, both at Alabama State University.
“Black fraternities, sororities, and civic organizations will mobilize in collective action, reinforcing the power of unity in today’s movement,” the group said.
On Sunday, a gospel and R&B concert will run all morning at Selma Memorial Stadium.
More information can be found here.
