Annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma only two weeks away

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The largest annual civil rights gathering in the country is just about two weeks away.

The Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma kicks off on February 29th. And this year marks the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday — and the Selma to Montgomery March.

The theme is Return to the Bridge: Democracy and the Vote are at Stake.

The annual four-day event draws tens of thousands of people to Selma each year.

“They’re coming to reconnect with that spirit of struggle, that spirit of freedom. And while they are here there are all kinds of events to participate in,” said BCJ Co-Founder Hank Sanders.

Sanders hopes the events will motivate people to get up — get out — and get involved in the democratic process.

“Right now, the right to vote is under severe attack,” Sanders said.

“Right now, democracy in this country, the symbol of democracy all over the world, is under great attack.”

The Jubilee officially kicks off with a mass meeting at historic Tabernacle Baptist Church. It includes summits and workshops on education — politics — and music, as well as awards ceremonies and recreational events.

The Martin & Coretta King Unity Breakfast — and the bridge crossing reenactment — are two of the highlights of the Jubilee.

Names of some the high-profile attendees — will be released in the coming days.