Annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee kicks off in Selma
From the West Alabama Newsroom–
The annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma kicked off today with several events — highlighted by a mass meeting tonight at the historic Tabernacle Baptist Church.
One of the main goals of the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee — is to pass the lessons learned from history — on to the next generation.
RB Hudson Middle School hosted the annual Jubilee History Bowl competition on the campus Thursday morning.
Students from Hudson, Elwood, Keith, Martin and Tipton Middle schools participated in the event.
They were asked questions about a variety of historical events — and judged on the content — presentation — and depth of knowledge of their answers.
“When it’s talking about black history we hear the same names, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X. We wanted to take a dive deeper. So, we’re learning about other individuals who made an impact on history as well.
Selma University hosted a retreat and symposium on it’s campus. The theme was ‘Revisiting the Negro Problem, a 21st Century View. Dr. Otis Moss, III — pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago was the Keynote Speaker.
“This is the space where people put their bodies on the line. The reason that we have a voting rights, the reason that we have access to facilities, the reason that we are able to break down housing covenants and have access to housing is because of the work in Selma,” said Moss.
A consistent idea throughout the days events — seemed to be — looking back at the past — with an eye on the future.
“So, that we continue to not only reflect on history, but to say what do we need to do today to continue to uplift humanity and march on until victory is won,” said Dr. Otis Culliver of Tabernacle Baptist Church.
A mass meeting at the church traditionally marks the kick-off of the Jubilee.
“It is the home of the first mass meeting of the Voting Rights Movement,” said Culliver.
“Jubilee does not start officially until the mass meeting at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Thursday evening.”
Speakers at the mass meeting include Dr. Willie D. Francois of New Jersey — along with Dr. Bernard Lafayette.
