Edwin Buggage Editor-in-Chief Data News Weekly
It was sixty years ago, on March 7, 1965, that a group of determined activists set out from Selma, Alabama, marching for one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy: the right to vote and to live a life where freedom, justice, and equality could be a reality for African Americans. As they courageously marched, they were met with brutal force on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, but their bravery in the face of injustice ignited the nation. “Bloody Sunday” became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement, ultimately leading to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Today, in 2025, the fight for justice and democracy remains as urgent as ever. While the sacrifices of those who marched in Selma paved the way for historic gains, recent years have seen an alarming rise in voter suppression, gerrymandering, and attacks on democratic institutions. The hard-fought victories of the Civil Rights Movement are under threat, and complacency is not an option.
We must not forget that the legacy of Selma is not just about remembering; it is about action. The bold activists who marched 60 years ago did not wait for history to unfold around them—they shaped it with their voices, their feet, and their unyielding determination for justice, freedom, and dignity, striving to reach their full God-given potential. That same spirit is needed now. Political engagement—whether through voting, organizing, advocating for policy changes, or holding leaders accountable—is not just a right; it is a responsibility.
Moreover, the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement extends beyond the ballot box. Now, as then, the issues of economic justice, police reform, environmental justice, and access to quality education remains battlegrounds where activism and political engagement are necessary. Just as the marchers of 1965 understood that voting rights were intrinsically linked to broader issues of racial and economic justice, today’s activists must connect the dots between political participation and the policies that shape everyday life.
The 60th Anniversary of Selma should serve as both a commemoration and a rallying cry. As we honor the courage of those who marched—led by the late, great civil and Human Rights Leader John Lewis—we must also ask ourselves: What will future generations say about our commitment to justice? Will they see a society that upheld Democracy or one that allowed it to erode under the weight of indifference?
History has shown that progress is not inevitable—it is won through struggle, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in a better future. The best way to honor the legacy of Selma is to continue the work of “good trouble” that was started on that bridge. It is time to march again—not just in remembrance, but in resolve.
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