Thousands of people including President, Barack Obama, gathered to reenact a march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in commemoration of the regrettable history of segregation now known as ‘Bloody Sunday’. Obama commemorated the 50th anniversary by telling thousands of people in attendance that the march was not yet over, but the end was in sight.
The commemoration came into being after Alabama state troopers beat and gassed peaceful protesters who were demonstrating in the bridge to promote black voting rights on March 7, 1965. The day of commemoration is not enough according to Obama to repay the hefty debt paid by marchers who were brutally beaten on that fateful day.
Coverage of the Bloody Sunday event in 1965 triggered national outrage prompting Congress to pass landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 which mandated federal oversight of elections for states known of discrimination.
Looking back at the history of black Americans is a painful experience for many people but the resonating tone at the Selma reenactment served as motivation in spearheading efforts to promote equality. Participants at the event were able to learn the culture that was once divided by the superficial difference in skin color.
Even though, stories of segregation in the state years ago continue to paint pages of modern history books, many people in attendance remained moved by the speeches of solidarity. Nations leader’s activists and celebrities were in Selma commemorating the historic event. The mood in the crowd was of unity with leader after leader calling for talks focused on how to move America forward away from the forces of racism and discrimination based on skin color.
Current Selma residents who live beyond the national poverty level were on the other hand left asking whether after the dignitaries left, the town with 82% black will change for the better, or it will fade away. Many black residents say they live in divisive society where discrimination is still a sting with true change yet to be seen.