On 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, United Women in Faith Remembers Struggle for Civil Rights

For Immediate Release

Contact: dfrancisco@uwfaith.org

NEW YORK – United Women in Faith issues the following statement in remembrance of the 60th anniversary of the events leading up to Bloody Sunday:

On this day sixty years ago, 600 men, women, and children began to march from Selma to Montgomery to protest the suppression of Black voters. Segregationists injured 58 people that day, from tear gas burns to skull fractures. After seeing this cruelty, demonstrators rose across the country and President Lyndon B. Johnson vowed to make the Voting Rights Act law. At the successful march two weeks later, over 25,000 people arrived at the state capitol in Montgomery.

“As the largest denominational organization for women, we pause to remember the legacy of those who risked life and limb in pursuit of the right to vote,” said Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith. “Although it has been 60 years since Bloody Sunday, we know that the fight for voting rights – indeed civil rights – continues.”

We may not all feel the brunt of an officer’s baton, but we are still fighting against repressive forces who stand in opposition to voter access for all. During the United Methodist General Conference in 2024, Vonner introduced legislation regarding Voting Rights Protections in the United States on behalf of United Women in Faith. The resolution passed and now serves as a reminder of The United Methodist Church’s commitment to voting rights. It is also an expression of our appreciation for those who fought so women and people of color could exercise their right to vote.

In the same way that our foremothers and ancestors stood against segregation and fought for civil rights, we lift our voices today.

“On this 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday – and every day – we honor the sacrifices of past generations and look ahead to the work that is left to be done,” said Vonner. “We will put faith, hope and love into action to overcome every trial we face.”

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United Women in Faith is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation. Connect with the organization here.