Selma+to+Montgomery,+Alabama+Civil+Rights+March

HUNDREDS ON WAY TO JOIN MARCH
==Overview == On March 7, 1965 African Americans took strides in the Civil Rights Movement. Black Americans, of the south, had found a new way to prove there point, marching. Their message was equality for every race in America. They had created the concept of a Civil Rights March. A Civil Rights March was a popular way to gain attention. It consisted of a large group of people simply marching, mostly likely with signs, proclaiming a message they hoped to convey. In this circumstance, African Americans hoped to show the United States it was time for change. This march would begin in Selma, Alabama to continue till Montgomery, Alabama.

Critical Issue
"Hundreds of representatives of religious, medical and civil rights groups and other concerned persons were on their way to Alabama last night to walk with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery,” reflected to New York Times. Martin Luther King would lead righteous African Americans on a 50 mile journey to freedom. Their destination would be the home of Gov. George C. Wallace, the capital of Alabama and the center of racial discrimination. Despite their peaceful attempts, the protesters were met by state troopers sent by the governor and Mayor Smitherman. Once the group had reached the Edmund Pettus Bridge they saw a blockade of police officers. The troopers used night sticks, cattle prods, pistols, carbines, shotguns, and teargas on the law abiding African Americans. “We don’t believe in making arrests. It’s better to break them up,” said Col. Al Lingo. This march would be known as “Bloody Sunday”.

Conclusion/Historical Significance
The New York Times reported, “The ministers, rabbis, priests, doctors and others were answering Dr. King’s call for people of all faiths from all parts of the country to join him…” The Civil Rights Movement made black Americans vulnerable to scrutiny and violence. The Civil Rights March from Selma to Montgomery was so brutal that President Johnson became involved, leading to further controversy. Regardless of the hostility marchers encountered their first try, they stilled marched. They did so until they finally reached the capital. The Civil Rights March from Selma to Montgomery showed the United States the turmoil in the south. The country was beginning to divide, and aggression had made its move. Yet, with every step marched African Americans came closer to America’s justice system.