The Metropolis of Montgomery will host a historic weekend of occasions March 21-23, 2025, commemorating 60 years for the reason that Selma to Montgomery March, a pivotal second that reshaped America’s combat for voting rights.
On March 25, 1965, hundreds of marchers arrived in Montgomery after a 54-mile journey from Selma, demanding equal voting rights for Black People. Their braveness and dedication led to an enormous demonstration on the Alabama State Capitol, the place 25,000 folks gathered in solidarity, finally securing the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965—one of the consequential civil rights legal guidelines in U.S. historical past.
This yr’s sixtieth anniversary commemoration serves as each a tribute and a name to motion, honoring the previous whereas confronting right now’s challenges to democracy. Mayor Steven L. Reed, Montgomery’s first African American mayor, will lead the town’s efforts to replicate on the march’s legacy, uniting nationwide leaders, activists, and artists for a weekend of training, inspiration, and mobilization.
“The Selma to Montgomery March was by no means nearly crossing a bridge—it was about crossing into a brand new period of democracy and justice,” mentioned Mayor Steven L. Reed. “Sixty years later, we have a good time the victory on this facet of the bridge, however we all know the work isn’t completed. Right here in Montgomery, the place historical past was made, we stand not simply to commemorate, however to proceed the combat. This anniversary reminds us that each technology—together with ours—has a task to play in defending democracy and making certain justice for all.”
A Weekend of Reflection, Celebration, and MotionThe three-day commemoration will function occasions honoring previous civil rights heroes whereas inspiring new generations to proceed the combat for justice.
Friday, March 21 – “This Aspect of the Bridge” Reception (6:30pm-10:00pm, Museum of High-quality Arts)
A gathering recognizing previous and current civil rights leaders.
Saturday, March 22 – Neighborhood & Household Enjoyable Day (10:00am – 2:00pm, Carver Excessive Faculty)
A family-friendly occasion that includes interactive displays, youth actions, and cultural programming designed to encourage civic engagement. Free to the general public.
Saturday, March 22 – Stars for Freedom Rally (2:00pm – 8:00pm, Carver Excessive Faculty)
A tribute to the historic 1965 “Stars for Freedom” Rally, that includes performances and speeches from nationally acknowledged artists, thought leaders, and advocates. Free to the general public.
Sunday, March 23 – This Aspect of the Bridge: March to the Capitol (1:00pm, Metropolis of St. Jude to the Alabama State Capitol)
A reenactment of the ultimate leg of the Selma to Montgomery March, ending on the Alabama State Capitol—the identical web site the place hundreds stood in 1965 to demand voting rights.
Particular Friends & Nationwide FiguresA dynamic lineup of artists, activists, and leaders will take part on this historic commemoration. Notable attendees embrace actor Larenz Tate, hip-hop icon Huge Boi, tv host Terrence J, pastor and activist Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, award-winning gospel artists Jekalyn Carr and Pastor Mike Jr., award-winning producer, director, actress and activist Gina Belafonte, American Idol alumnus Taylor Hicks, The Voice alumnus Ryley Tate Wilson, and actress KJ Smith. Extra particular company will likely be introduced within the coming weeks.
Bringing Historical past to Life: A Digital Journey Via the Selma to Montgomery MarchAs a part of the sixtieth anniversary commemoration, the Metropolis of Montgomery is integrating an immersive metaverse expertise, first introduced in early February, to permit contributors to interact with the historic Selma to Montgomery March in a groundbreaking method.
This digital expertise presents attendees—each in Montgomery and people becoming a member of remotely—the chance to discover key moments alongside the Civil Rights Path, stroll the historic route from St. Jude Campus to the Alabama State Capitol, and work together with AI-driven avatars of historic figures. Crafted utilizing historic information, pictures, and professional enter, the metaverse expertise ensures an correct and dynamic illustration of this pivotal second in historical past.
Montgomery is the one metropolis on the earth chosen to pilot this progressive undertaking by one of many finance world’s Magnificent Seven Inventory firms, the $4 trillion NVIDIA. This groundbreaking partnership underscores Montgomery’s function as a pacesetter in mixing historical past with superior know-how, making a first-of-its-kind digital archive that enhances each training and civic engagement. The expertise is on the market to anybody with web entry and an online browser, requiring no particular gear.
How one can Take part
The Metropolis of Montgomery welcomes folks from throughout the nation and around the globe to attend this free and historic commemoration.
In regards to the Metropolis of MontgomeryMontgomery, Alabama, is a metropolis steeped in historical past and pushed by progress. Because the birthplace of the civil rights motion and a hub for innovation, Montgomery blends a wealthy cultural heritage with a imaginative and prescient for the longer term. Montgomery is a metropolis the place everybody has the liberty to reside, study, and earn. Beneath the management of Mayor Steven L. Reed, the town is dedicated to fostering financial progress, enhancing public security, and advancing fairness and alternative for all residents. Dwelling to world-class museums, thriving companies, and cutting-edge know-how initiatives, Montgomery continues to steer as a vibrant and inclusive capital metropolis.
