Our day began very early around 6 a.m. as we prepared to make the 45 minute drive from Montgomery to Selma, Ala. We were very tired but we knew, today we would witness history. Thousands of people showed up at the famous Edmund Pettus bridge in commemoration of “Bloody Sunday.”
To be honest, it was very hard to absorb my surroundings and digest the moment. The city of Selma is very historic in its architecture and culture. Many of the buildings were probably exact same ones standing in 1965 when more than 600 marchers demonstrated their civil rights.
The diversity of the crowd was pretty good. Although there was an overwhelming amount of Black people there to honor their ancestors, there were also people of all ethnicities present.
Once we arrived at the bridge, almost four hours before President Barak Obama was set to speak, we got a chance to interview and film a few civil rights legends. Rev. Jesse Jackson attended the day’s events and of course, we tracked him down. He was friendly and offered his thoughts on the 50th anniversary.
We also spotted actor Danny Glover, civil rights activist John Lewis, and our very own Rep. Andre Carson. It was refreshing to see our people coming together in celebration instead of despair.
With the media and those from the public who attended, the area was jam packed as President Obama delivered his speech in sunny 60 degree weather.
“As is true across the landscape of American history, we cannot examine this moment in isolation. The march on Selma was part of a broader campaign that spanned generations; the leaders that day part of a long line of heroes,” said Obama. “We gather here to celebrate them. We gather here to honor the courage of ordinary Americans willing to endure billy clubs and the chastening rod; tear gas and the trampling hoof; men and women who despite the gush of blood and splintered bone would stay true to their North Star and keep marching towards justice.”
He mentioned that while those who were involved in the event of “Bloody Sunday,” were not elected officials, they continued to led the nation. This was definitely a statement that stuck with me the entire day.
One occurrence deeply, deeply bothered me. Apparently a group of residents from Ferguson, Mo. also attended the event and caused a very rude disturbance during the president’s remarks. They beat on drums and shouted about violence in their community as the address was given. Although I see their point, the occasion to vocalize their message was upright disrespectful. Police were called in to settle the commotion, it was seriously a mess! I can’t believe they thought that was the appropriate place to voice their opinion, and although they had the right too, something about it left a bad taste in my mouth.
To end our day’s adventures we stumbled upon a tasty local seafood place called J&D’s Seafood back in Montgomery. Similar to a farmhouse, the eatery sold and cooked fresh seafood. I ordered the steamed shrimp dinner tossed in Cajun sauce with fried okra and corn on the cob. I couldn’t have thought of a better way to end a very long day.
From the red dirt roads, to the cotton fields, to the significance the Edmund Pettus bridge represents, Alabama is a melting pot of history and culture truly worthy of appreciation.
See our video coverage from day two: HERE
Recorder staffers Ebony Chappel (right) and Victoria Davis at the famous Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma, Ala.
“> Recorder staffers Ebony Chappel (right) and Victoria Davis at the famous Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma, Ala.
Waiting for President Obama’s remarks.
“> Waiting for President Obama’s remarks.
After waiting for the president for nearly four hours, we were exhausted.
“> After waiting for the president for nearly four hours, we were exhausted.
