50th Anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma

SELMA, AL – US Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) joined Congressman John Lewis, civil rights leaders, and more than 100 members of the U.S. House and Senate in Selma, Alabama to mark the 50th anniversary of \”Bloody Sunday.\” On March 7, 1965, a group of brave civil rights marchers, including Congressman Lewis, marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on their way to Montgomery to demand that African American citizens finally be given their constitutional right to vote. At the bridge, the marchers were beaten and forced back by Alabama State troopers. 50 years later, Maloney joined Congressman Lewis in a march across the landmark bridge from the historic Brown Chapel AME Church.

\”Although we’ve made historic progress over the last 50 years, we still have many bridges to cross to reach full equality for all Americans,\” said Maloney. \”Together we must fight until every American has equal rights, equal access to the ballot, and equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.\”

On March 15, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson addressed a Joint Session of Congress, urging Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act. On March 21, Martin Luther King Jr. led a march across the bridge –joined by 30,000 people from across the country, including national civil rights leaders like current Congressman John Lewis – this time protected by federal troops. On March 25, the marchers reached the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, where Reverend King and the other marchers called for voting rights legislation.

\”It was only two years ago that the Supreme Court decide to invalidate critical provisions of the Voting Rights Act – a shocking setback to the core principles of our very democracy. We can’t miss an opportunity to pass new civil rights laws that protect all Americans – regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or economic status,\” concluded Maloney.

Maloney also attended a service at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham where four girls were killed in a bombing, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Civil Rights Memorial. In addition, he visited the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Rosa Parks Museum, and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. King pastored and where the Montgomery bus boycotts were organized.