FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2025
Contact: Abina Billups, Salute Selma, Inc.
Email: abina@saluteselma.org
Contact: (334)766-4240
A National Call to Action for Civic Engagement, Education, and Collective Mobilization
SELMA, AL — The 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the Selma to Montgomery March marks a pivotal moment in American history, honoring the foot soldiers who marched for voting rights and changed the course of democracy. Salute Selma, Inc. is leading this year’s commemoration with a weekend of powerful events that will celebrate Black civic engagement, leadership, and activism while addressing the ongoing fight for justice and democracy.
This milestone anniversary is not just about reflecting on the past—it is about mobilizing for the future. As voting rights remain under attack, Selma once again calls for leaders, advocates, and communities to stand together in a unified commitment to democracy.
This year’s programming will focus on key themes, including education equity and the role of HBCUs in protecting access to education for Black students. The commemoration will also highlight the power of Black women in the judiciary with a national call for all Black women judges to gather in Selma as protectors of democracy. Additionally, Black fraternities, sororities, and civic organizations will mobilize in collective action, reinforcing the power of unity in today’s movement.
The weekend of events will take place March 7-9, 2025, in Selma and Montgomery, Alabama.
On Friday, March 7, the Women’s Legal Symposium will convene legal professionals and scholars for a keynote conversation on democracy and justice. During this event, Salute Selma will present the Legal Guardian of Democracy Awards, recognizing trailblazers including Judge Myron Thompson, Judge Elizabeth French, Judge Vernetta Perkins Walker, Judge U.W. Clemons (ret), Judge Vanzetta Penn McPherson(ret), Judge Delores Boyd(ret), Judge Leah Ward Sears(ret), Judge Arnette Hubbard(ret), Attorney Fred Gray, and Attorney Ernestine Sapp. A posthumous tribute will honor Attorney Arthur Shores, Attorney J.L. Chestnut, and Attorney Michael Figures for their enduring contributions to the fight for civil rights.
Friday will also mark the launch of the HBCU Educational Summit at Selma University, where the focus will be on high school students and their role in shaping the future of democracy. This special session will feature viral activist YelloPain, who will engage students in a conversation about the importance of civic engagement. That evening, Alabama State University will host the weekend Kickoff Welcome Reception at The Nest, bringing together attendees, leaders, and supporters.
On Saturday, March 8, the HBCU Educational Summit continues, featuring the HBCU Presidents’ Roundtable and Black Legislative Agenda Roundtable at Alabama State University. The day will include panel discussions with civil rights leaders, policy dialogues on issues affecting Black communities, and opportunities for student and community activism. The evening will conclude with Senator Robert Stewart and 100 Black Men’s Fourth Annual Homegrown Soirée, an event dedicated to fostering leadership and celebrating excellence within the Black community.
On Sunday, March 9, the weekend will culminate with the Salute Selma Gospel and R&B Explosion at Selma Memorial Stadium 108 Dallas Avenue Selma, AL from 8:00am -1:00pm, featuring Grammy-winning and nominated artists including CeeLo Green, Bishop William Murphy, and Asher HaVon, Season 25 winner of NBC’s The Voice. The event will include food trucks, vendors, and national leaders, including the Divine 9, The Links, The Boule, Jack and Jill, and 100 Black Men. Food Trucks and Vendors are welcomed visit https://www.saluteselma.com/vendor-application-selma
Following the celebration, participants will join in the historic 60th Bridge Crossing Reenactment across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, paying tribute to the foot soldiers of 1965 and reaffirming our collective commitment to justice, voting rights, and democracy.
Salute Selma is calling on individuals and organizations to take action. Those interested in attending can visit www.saluteselma.com/event-list for the full schedule. Supporters can also donate at www.saluteselma.com/donate or sponsor a segment of the event. The public is encouraged to amplify the message by sharing the mission of Salute Selma across social media and within their networks.
“All of the rights we enjoy today came at a cost, and Selma was at the epicenter of that sacrifice,” said Abina Billups, Co-Founder of Salute Selma, Inc. “We have a responsibility to continue this fight, to honor those who came before us, and to make sure that history is not just remembered—but protected.”
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
“This isn’t just a reflection on history—it’s a mobilization for our future,” said Catrena Norris Carter, Co-Founder of Salute Selma, Inc. “Selma remains at the heart of the fight for civil rights. Now is the time to show up.”
Salute Selma, Inc.—a women-led, Black-led nonprofit organization committed to preserving the legacy of the Selma Voting Rights Movement through civic engagement, leadership development, and community empowerment—is leading the charge to ensure that this moment in history is properly recognized.
Visit our website saluteselma.com or contact Abina Billups at abina@saluteselma.org or (334)766-4240 or Catrena Norris Carter at catrena.carter@saluteselma.org or (205)266-0304.
Comments