Leaders to Gather in Selma Ahead of 61st Bloody Sunday Commemoration

SELMA, Ala. - On Sunday, March 8, national, state, and local leaders will gather at Selma's historic Tabernacle Baptist Church to reflect on the legacy of Bloody Sunday and usher in the 61st annual Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage through Alabama. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL‑07) will host the event alongside Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY‑09), U.S. Rep. Shomari C. Figures (AL‑02), Selma Mayor Johnny Moss, Pastor Otis Dion Culliver, and other Members of Congress.

The press conference, held at one of the cradle institutions of the Civil Rights Movement, will highlight the enduring significance of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches and the continued fight to protect voting rights nationwide.

A Historic Setting for a Historic Moment

Tabernacle Baptist Church is one of Selma's most storied civil rights landmarks. It was the site of early organizing meetings during the 1960s and remains a central gathering place for reflection, remembrance, and recommitment to justice. Holding the press conference here underscores the deep roots of the movement and the ongoing relevance of its lessons.

Following the press conference, Governor Wes Moore will deliver remarks during the church's 10:00 a.m. worship service, marking his first appearance at the Selma commemoration as Maryland's governor.

Honoring the 61st Anniversary of Bloody Sunday

The annual pilgrimage-attended by lawmakers, faith leaders, and citizens from across the country-traces the footsteps of the late Congressman John Lewis and the hundreds of peaceful demonstrators who were beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965. Their courage helped galvanize national support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

This year's commemoration comes at a time when debates over voting rights, redistricting, and federal protections continue to shape the national political landscape. Leaders attending the event are expected to emphasize the importance of preserving access to the ballot and confronting modern threats to democratic participation.

A Bipartisan Tradition of Reflection and Renewal

Rep. Sewell, who represents Selma and much of the historic civil rights corridor, has long served as a key organizer of the pilgrimage. Each year, she invites colleagues from both parties to walk the bridge, visit sacred sites, and engage with local leaders who continue the work of the movement.

The presence of Governor Moore, Chairwoman Clarke, and newly elected Rep. Shomari Figures highlights the intergenerational and national reach of the pilgrimage. Their participation signals a continued commitment to honoring the past while addressing present‑day challenges.

Event Participants

- U.S. Rep. Terri A. Sewell (AL‑07)

- Governor Wes Moore, State of Maryland

- Chairwoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY‑09), Congressional Black Caucus

- U.S. Rep. Shomari C. Figures (AL‑02)

- Mayor Johnny Moss, City of Selma

- Pastor Otis Dion Culliver, Tabernacle Baptist Church

- Additional Members of Congress

Press outlets planning to cover the event have been asked to RSVP.

A Continuing Call to Action

As the nation marks 61 years since Bloody Sunday, the themes of courage, sacrifice, and democratic participation remain as urgent as ever. The leaders gathering in Selma this weekend aim to honor the legacy of those who marched in 1965 while urging Americans to remain vigilant in defending the right to vote.

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