Journal événements de Selma

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No 59 872                                                 SELMA, Monday, March, 24, 2015                                  $7.00

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Selma’s anniversary

"A decisive march"

In Selma 50 years ago, some events

changed many people’s life.

By Joffrey CARRAU [pic 6]

50 years ago, in the United States, black people were still denied the right to vote. Segregation was everywhere. Black people were beaten in the street and policemen looked the other way...

Then, black people decided to organize a march from Selma to Montgomery to demonstrate peacefully.

The first march was stopped on the Edmund Pettus bridge by the police who assaulted the demonstrators very violently. This march took place on Sunday March 7th, 1965. This Sunday is called “The Bloody Sunday”.

Thank God, TV coverage denounced this horror. American people realized how black people were treated and they started to join the movement.

Martin Luther King called for the

support of religious leaders.[pic 7]

On Tuesday March 9th, a second march was organized, and gathered more demonstrators.

Police forces were on the Edmund Pettus bridge but did not block the way. Martin Luther King, who led the march, had a bad intuition and stopped walking. He thought that if they passed the bridge, police officers would be able to block them on the other side, which would prevent re-supply. So, demonstrators went back, and the march was cancelled.

Martin Luther King negotiated over and over again with the President of the United States (Lyndon B. Johnson) to make black people able to vote and to get equality and justice. President Johnson finally decided to support the movement and the Voting Rights Act. This was a first victory and a step towards justice since racial segregation in voting was not allowed anymore.

A third march was organized to celebrate this victory, many people walked together from Selma to Montgomery. This event made  America stronger, so now, we can be proud of belonging to this united and beautiful nation.

Nevertheless, 50 years later, we still have to defend equality and justice.

50 years later, we do realize how important this day was in the history of our country.

Don't forget to celebrate the anniversary of an event that changed America and made our country fairer and more united.

“50 years later, I’m so proud, with all those who participated to this march, because we have given birth to a movement that changed our country.” (John B., Mobile, Alabama)

“We all know that this march is not over, we have to fight everyday against racism. I want to thank all those who supported this movement, who believed in our cause, because today, thanks to these people, we have rights.”

 (Margaret D., New-Orleans, Louisiana)[pic 8]

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