City of Montgomery to remember 60th anniversary of Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march

Dr. Martin Luther King addresses crowd in front of the Alabama Capitol on March 25, 1965. The rally climaxed a five-day civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery. (AP Photo)

The City of Montgomery has several events planned to mark the 60th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march of 1965.

This weekend’s events will bring together national leaders, civil rights activists, artists and the local community to reflect on the march’s legacy, celebrate progress and discuss ongoing voting rights issues.

This year, for the first time, attendees—both in-person and virtual—will also be able to step into history through a first-of-its-kind metaverse experience, powered by NVIDIA, bringing the 1965 march to life through immersive AI-driven technology.

SCHEDULE
Friday, March 21 – “This Side of the Bridge” Reception (Invitation-only)
A private gathering recognizing past and present civil rights leaders.

Saturday, March 22 – Community & Family Fun Day (10 AM – 2 PM, Carver High School)
Interactive exhibits, youth activities and cultural programming designed to inspire civic engagement. Open to the public.

Saturday, March 22 – Stars for Freedom Rally (2 PM – 8 PM, Carver High School)
A tribute to the historic 1965 “Stars for Freedom” Rally, featuring performances and speeches from Big Boi, Larenz Tate, Gina Belafonte, Jekalyn Carr, Pastor Mike Jr., KJ Smith, Terrence J and more. Open to the public.

Sunday, March 23 – Reenactment of the Final Leg of the Selma-to-Montgomery March (1 PM, City of St. Jude to the Alabama State Capitol)
A historic reenactment of the final leg of the march, ending at the Alabama State Capitol, where thousands stood in 1965 to demand voting rights. Open to the public. Click here for free registration for the march reenactment

The Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march happened from March 21 to March 25, 1965. Earlier that month, marchers hoping to make the journey from Selma were beaten after crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma on a day that became known as Bloody Sunday.

An estimated 25,000 marchers arrived in Montgomery on March 25 for a rally on the steps of the Alabama Capitol. Their efforts led to the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965 that was signed by President Lyndon Johnson later that year.