60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday commemorated in Selma

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Friday  is the second day of the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma and the excitement and the crowds around the city are growing.

March 7th marks the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

It was on this day in 1965 that hundreds of black protestors marching for the right to vote were attacked by state troopers.

Author and civil rights activist Sheyann Webb Christburg — was an 8 year old foot soldiers of the movement — all those years ago.

“As I reflect on that Bloody Sunday march I have many mixed emotions,” she said.

“Much blood, sweat and tears were shed in an effort for African-Americans to gain the right to vote. And today in 2025 we’re still trying to hold on to that right through the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.”

The events of Bloody Sunday awakened the world to the plight of black people — and their fight to obtain the right to vote. It would also eventually lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“Selma’s important,” said Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr.

“Selma’s the cradle of voting rights. Selma represents 60 years of not only getting voting rights for black people but for all Americans.”

The foot of the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge was the center of activity for much of the day.

It was shut down to traffic for hours for a Youth Freedom March — and a congressional pilgrimage event sponsored by the Faith in Politics Institute.

“This year’s pilgrimage is especially meaningful as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the triumph of human courage, the power of grass-roots activism and the resilience of our democracy,” said Congresswoman Terri Sewell.