Selma celebrates 50 years since Alabama’s historic civil rights march

World Today

It’s been 50 years since a major landmark in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. On March 7th, 1965, a demonstration by civil rights campaigners in the U.S. state of Alabama was viciously attacked by state troopers.

CCTV America’s Jim Spellman filed this report from Selma, Alabama.

Highlights:

  • On “Bloody Sunday,” protesters marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge were attacked by police. The images shocked the nation and helped galvanize support for the voting rights act of 1965.
  • The aftereffects of “Bloody Sunday” also helped make it possible for the U.S. to elect an African American president, Barack Obama.
  • Participants hope the anniversary of this event will help spark a new wave of civil rights activism.
  • U.S. Congressman John Lewis was one of the leaders of the march in 1965 and attended the 50th anniversary celebration in Selma.

From Selma to Montgomery: The photos of Stephen Somerstein 50 years on


Expert Akili West addresses US race relations 50 years after Selma march

CCTV America interviewed Akili West for more on the significance of the March on Selma’s 50-year anniversary. West has served on several diversity panels and has appeared as a commentator on race relations for several media organizations.