On the morning of March 7, 1965, hundreds of voting rights activists left Brown Chapel Church in Selma, Alabama, bound for Montgomery. Led by Hosea Williams and John Lewis, they made their way across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
As they crossed the Alabama River, the “foot soldiers” were met by a sea of Alabama state troopers, who charged the marchers on horseback, beat them with billy clubs and doused them in a cloud of pepper spray.
The day became known as Bloody Sunday — a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.
Now, 5 1/2 decades later, events in Selma this weekend will commemorate Bloody Sunday and Selma's role in the civil rights movement. The anniversary draws thousands of people to Selma annually. In years past that has included presidents, dignitaries, civil rights leaders and foot soldiers.
Congressman Lewis, who was badly beaten on Bloody Sunday, has usually attended the bridge re-enactment, but it's unclear if he will be there this year, as he continues to seek treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Credit: Brant Sanderlin/AJC
Credit: Brant Sanderlin/AJC
» From 2015: John Lewis revisits Selma
The annual Jubilee programming will include a bridge crossing, panel discussions, commemorative services and a breakfast where Stacey Abrams will speak and be honored with an award.
For Atlantans looking to make the trip to Selma (about a three-hour drive), here's a look at some of the events taking place throughout the weekend. A complete schedule of events can be found here.
Friday, Feb. 28
Cultural Competency Training
When: 11 a.m.-noon
Where: George Corley Wallace State Community College Selma (Hank Sanders Building)
3000 Earl Goodwin Parkway, Selma
Healing Circle Workshop: Economic empowerment
When: noon-2 p.m.
Where: George Corley Wallace State Community College Selma (Hank Sanders Building)
3000 Earl Goodwin Parkway, Selma
Induction in the Women's Hall of Fame
When: 3:45-4:15 p.m.
Where: National Voting Rights Museum
6 Highway 80 E, Selma
"Stomp Out to Vote" Step Show
When: 7-9 p.m.
Where: School of Discovery
400 Washington Street, Selma
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Saturday, Feb. 29
Foot Soldiers Breakfast
When: 8-9:30 a.m.
Where: Selma High School
2180 Broad St., Selma
Jubilee Parade
When: 9-10:30 a.m.
Where: Selma High School to Edmund Pettus Bridge, via Broad Street
Battle of the Bands
When:10:45-11:15 a.m.
Where: School of Discovery
400 Washington Street, Selma
Jubilee Street Festival and Music
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: along Water Avenue
Freedom Flame Awards Gala
When: 7-10 p.m.
Where: Carl Morgan Convention Center
211 Washington St., Selma
Credit: BRANT SANDERLIN / BSANDERLIN@AJ
Credit: BRANT SANDERLIN / BSANDERLIN@AJ
Sunday, March 1
Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King Unity Breakfast
When: 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Where: George Corley Wallace State Community College Selma
3000 Earl Goodwin Parkway, Selma
Stacey Abrams will speak at this annual breakfast and is expected to be presented with the Martin and Corretta King National Unity Award.
Sunday morning services
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Various churches throughout Selma, including: Tabernacle Baptist Church, Brown Chapel Church, Clinton Chapel and First Baptist Church
Bridge Crossing reenactment
When: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: From Brown Chapel over the Edmund Pettus Bridge
Post-March Rally and Gospel Concert
When: 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Foot of Edmund Pettus Bridge and along Water Avenue
About the Author
