The march from Selma to Montgomery on March 21, 1965, was a pivotal event in the American civil rights movement. Led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., thousands of demonstrators set out from Selma, Alabama, to demand voting rights for Black Americans. This was the third attempt after previous marches were met with violent resistance from local law enforcement officers, notably on “Bloody Sunday” (March 7). Protected by federal troops, the marchers walked 54 miles, reaching Montgomery on March 25. Their peaceful protest highlighted racial injustice and helped to spur the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This legislation banned discriminatory practices like literacy tests, ensuring greater access to the ballot box for Black citizens. The march symbolized courage and determination, cementing its place in U.S. history as a defining moment in the struggle for civil rights. Today, it remains an enduring testament to the power of peaceful protest and the fight for justice.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.

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