On March 7, 2026, the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) will celebrate the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement that unfolded on March 7, 1965, in Selma, Alabama. This anniversary commemorates not only the events of that day but also the rich history and enduring legacy of African American culture. The AARLCC is hosting two significant programs as part of the CommUniversity’s Black History Saturday School, highlighting both civil rights history and cultural traditions.
From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, attendees can participate in discussions led by Dr. Regis M. Fox, who will speak on African American folk traditions. This is sure to instill a sense of purpose and memory, bringing history to life for all who attend. For those looking to delve deeper into the visual history of this important event, a free exhibition titled “Selma Is Now” will be available to explore until June 27, 2026. This exhibit runs parallel to the anniversary, showcasing restored photographs by James ‘Spider’ Martin that vividly depict the brutality and resistance of that fateful day when demonstrators faced violent opposition on the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
Commemorating Bloody Sunday
The events of March 7, 1965, were marked by harrowing violence against civil rights activists. Police from both state and local agencies unleashed batons, whips, and tear gas on hundreds of demonstrators, who were protesting the denial of voting rights for African Americans and mourning the murder of activist Jimmie Lee Jackson. Among the leaders of the demonstration were John Lewis and Reverend Hosea Williams, who directed courageous activists over the Edmund Pettus Bridge, only to face a brutal crackdown from law enforcement.
This confrontation was not merely a local event; it was a stark and shocking display of state-sanctioned violence that would be broadcast across the nation, mobilizing support for the civil rights movement. The aftermath led to many participants suffering serious injuries, while the intense media coverage drew public outrage and galvanized additional support for the ongoing fight against racial injustice. Just two days later, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called for a second march to Selma, urging people from across the country to join the movement that would ultimately lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act three months later.
Invitation to Reflect
The AARLCC event not only serves as a commemoration of these historical events but also as an invitation for the community to reflect on the ongoing struggle for civil rights. A gallery walk led by AARLCC Regional Manager Doug McCraw, historian Tameka Bradley Hobbs, and Senior Archivist Erin Purdy will allow participants to explore the emotional weight of the images displayed and the stories they tell. Registration for this event is free, making it accessible for all who wish to engage with this important chapter of American history.
Join us on March 7, 2026, at the AARLCC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to honor the bravery of those who fought for justice and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten. For more details on the event, visit Patch, and to understand more about the historical significance of Bloody Sunday, check out the Equal Justice Initiative.