Dr. Martin L. King Jr.

The demonstration that led to the most important advance in civil rights for millions of Black Americans began here March 21, 1965. It was the 50-mile march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, the State Capital.

Defying threats of death, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., led 400 Black and White Americans on the longest, largest, most dramatic march of his 13-year career.

It gave southern Blacks the right as citizens to cast a ballot and help determine and help operate the government under which they live. In the succeeding 10 years, Black voters increased from 1,463,000 to 3,845,000 and Black elected officials from 72 to 2,568 in the states affected. Hundreds of others were named to public post. Blacks attained a more equitable share of tax benefits and won greater self esteem and respect from other as voting citizens. All these things flowed from what began here.

This is a tribute to those who planned, encouraged, marched, were jailed, beaten and died to change Black Americans from second class to first class citizens.

They Gave Their Lives
to overcome injustice and secure the right to
vote for all Americans.

James J. Reeb
Boston

Viola Gregg Liuzzo
Detroit

Jimmy Lee Jackson
Marion, Alabama

Dedicated
August 11, 1979

This was the
starting point
of the march
from Selma
to Montgomery
March 21, 1965

Project Conceived and
Edited by Executive
Secretary Robert H. Miller
1896-1979

"?Let Us March On Til Victory Is Won"
James Weldon Johnson
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Selma, AL  |  Dallas County  |  36703  |  Alabama  |  United States of America

Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church
Sanctuary to Stage
George Washington Carver Homes Projects
Lewis Scott
George Washington Carver Neighborhood
First Baptist Church
A Grassroots Movement
Turning Point
In Honor of James Joseph Reeb
Selma Navy Yard and Ordnance Works

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.