Vice President Kamala Harris is set to participate in the commemoration of the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights movement that occurred on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
On March 7, 1965, Alabama law officers brutally attacked Civil Rights demonstrators advocating for voting rights, marking a dark chapter in American history. The annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, spanning several days, includes various events leading up to the Sunday march across the iconic bridge.
During her anticipated speech, Vice President Harris plans to honor the civil rights movement’s legacy, discuss ongoing efforts for justice, and encourage Americans to persist in defending fundamental freedoms. The White House, in announcing her visit, highlighted Harris’s commitment to addressing challenges to democracy and safeguarding the right to vote.
In 2022, Harris participated in the march, describing the site as hallowed ground. She emphasized the importance of defending democracy and protecting the right to vote, acknowledging the historical significance of the peaceful protest met with violence. Images of the brutality at the Edmund Pettus Bridge played a crucial role in garnering support for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark legislation dismantling barriers preventing Black Americans from voting.
Joining Vice President Harris at the event is U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina, who is leading a pilgrimage to Selma. Clyburn aims to remind people of the pivotal moment that set the country on a path toward a more perfect union while emphasizing that the right to vote remains vulnerable. U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland is also expected to attend, highlighting the significance of the event at a time when voting rights are facing challenges.
Clyburn views Selma as the nexus of the 1960s movement for voting rights, emphasizing its enduring importance as efforts persist to curtail these rights. Reflecting on the historical context, he notes that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 became a reality in response to the events of March 7, 1965. Despite progress, Clyburn acknowledges the current inflection point in the nation and hopes this year’s march will prompt reflection on the state of democracy.
The congressman envisions the weekend in Alabama not only reenergizing the civil rights movement but also bringing unity and benefit to the city of Selma. Recognizing economic challenges, he emphasizes the need for revitalization, proposing initiatives to develop the waterfront and attract industry. Clyburn underscores the importance of addressing job losses resulting from the closure of a military installation, aiming to engage young people in community development.
As Selma stands as a symbol of historical significance and ongoing struggles for justice, this year’s commemoration serves as a call to action. The presence of Vice President Harris, U.S. Rep. Clyburn, and Attorney General Garland underscores the continued importance of protecting voting rights and fostering positive change. The Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee remains a crucial event, not just in honoring the past, but in inspiring a collective commitment to shaping a more equitable future.
