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

For Immediate Release

Contact: press@spotlightpr.org

NEW YORK – On March 7, 1965, over 600 men, women, and children began to march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., 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.

In remembrance of the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the events surrounding it, United Women in Faith today issued the following statement, which can be attributed to its general secretary and CEO, Sally Vonner:

“United Women in Faith remembers the legacy of those who risked life and limb in pursuit of the right to vote. Although it has been 61 years since Bloody Sunday, we know that the fight for voting rights — and a truthful telling of our history — continues.

“In the same way that our foremothers and ancestors stood against segregation and fought for civil rights, we lift our voices today. 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. Proposed and enacted legislation threatens access to voter registration and paths to the ballot box for many women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color. Our country’s history advocating for racial justice and civil rights has been labeled ‘divisive,’ and those in power are trying to hide it. We will raise our voices and take action to ensure we do not lose the lessons of our past.

“We share our appreciation for those who fought so women and people of color could exercise their right to vote, and we follow in their footsteps in pursuit of justice. We will not let their stories be erased or their work be undone.

“On this 61st 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. Each of us has a responsibility to pick up the torch and champion pathways to voting that are free and accessible to all.”

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United Women in Faith is the largest denominational organization for women in the United States.