The Selma to Montgomery March

 

Up until 1965, counties in Alabama used measures which can only be described as dubious, in order to prevent blacks from registering to vote. Because of this, only 2 percent of the black population of Dallas County at that time was able to vote. In early 1965 however, civil rights activists began to protest in Selma in order to bring attention to this injustice. These protests were often met by violence from the local sheriff’s department, and one march on February 17, 1965 ended with the shooting of one of the protestors, Jimmy Lee Jackson, who died from his wounds several days later.

On March 7, 1965, 600 peaceful protestors, the vast majority of them black, left Browns Chapel Methodist Church in Selma, intent on marching the 50 miles to Montgomery, as a memorial to Jimmy Lee Jackson and to protest for voter's rights. As they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, they were met by a column of State Troopers and local volunteer officers of the local sheriff’s department who blocked their path.

The marchers were told in no uncertain terms by the state troopers to turn back. When they refused, they were attacked with nightsticks and teargas and were driven back over the bridge to the church. According to some reports, at least 50 protestors required hospital treatment. The initial violent incident happened in full view of the nation's press, however, the press was held back as the marchers retreated into the black community, where the violence continued for some time.

The attack caused outrage around the country, and March 7, 1965 became known as "Bloody Sunday". Two days later, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a second march of approximately 1,500 people, which again had its path blocked by State Troopers. This time they decided to turn back and not risk a violent confrontation. However, that evening, three Unitarian Universalist ministers who had traveled to Selma in order to join the protest were attacked by a group of white thugs. Two days later on March 11, one of them, James Reeb, died from his injuries.

The civil rights protestors sought and received court protection for a third march, which was granted by Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. On March 21st 1965. This time, 3,220 people set out for Montgomery, by the time they reached the state capitol on March 25, their numbers had increased to 25,000. Five months later, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act which prohibits discrimination in voting practices or procedures because of race and color.

 

Click on the links below for more information.

Bloody Sunday            

Campsites Of The March

Crusaders For Civil Rights

The Haneyville Story

Martyrs Of The Movement 1

Martyrs Of The Movement 2

The Ministers March

Preserving Our Heritage

S.C.O.P.E.

Stars For Freedom Rally

Teachers March Through Selma

Tent City