Bus Riders Retrace Selma Route to Renew Voting Fight
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Montgomery, Alabama — On Saturday, several dozen activists and bus riders traveled from Aiken, South Carolina and Atlanta to Montgomery to retrace the final steps of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march. Participants disembarked on Dexter Avenue near the Alabama Capitol and a stage used by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., marking the route’s historical terminus and honoring the original demonstration.
This weekend’s mobilization was framed by organizers as a National Day of Action responding to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affected key Voting Rights Act protections; attendees, including 62-year-old Keith Odom, said they sought renewed legal and legislative attention and called for restoration of voting-rights safeguards while planning further organizing and public events.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 1965: Selma-to-Montgomery march culminated on Dexter Avenue, contributing to passage of the Voting Rights Act.
- 2. Recent months: U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that diminished preclearance protections under the Voting Rights Act.
- 3. This weekend: Organizers launched 'All Roads Lead to the South' bus caravans from Atlanta and Aiken to Montgomery.
- 4. Saturday: Participants disembarked on Dexter Avenue and rallied near the Alabama Capitol; Keith Odom and others spoke.
- 5. Following the event: Organizers called for restoration of Voting Rights Act protections and signaled continued advocacy and legal scrutiny.
Why it matters
This weekend's march in Montgomery is a reminder of the ongoing fight for voting rights. If you're concerned about the erosion of these protections, keep an eye on related legislation. You can also participate in local advocacy efforts or public events.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
