Skip to main content

Remember Selma and keep moving forward: Your Say


President Obama marked the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery marches this weekend. A series of protests led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

When I taught, I shared several programs honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and our civil rights movement. Yes, our movement. It was for all of us. Each time, I shared a video of the police attacking the unarmed marchers in Selma, Ala. Many students, often tearful, would say they were shocked that such horror could occur in the United States. Thanks to all who commemorated this event, reminding the world of this horror and the courage of those who stood up to such tyranny and evil.

— Frederick Talbott

After 50 years, what has really changed?

Show me the statistics about how this country has improved for people of all colors.

Nick Mordowanec

You can't move forward if you only look back.

Vickie Arnold

It's funny to me when people say, why can't we get past this? African Americans still go through so much in this country. We have moved forward; we are so far from where we were. But read the Justice Department report on the Ferguson Police Department. That is why people still have to be reminded.

Adaorah Iboko

It is necessary to respect the past, but we need to move forward as a whole human race — not only one section of the human race, whether it be black, brown or white.

John Spencer

Letters to the editor:

The civil rights marches through Selma, Ala., honored this weekend, are a testimony to the power of freedom as well as a reminder of the timeless significance of the fight for equal rights.

Discrimination is real; it continues to diminish our humanity everywhere it engages in the course of human conduct.

The Selma marches were 50 years ago, but they will not be finished until the intrinsic worth of every person is recognized and honored.

Peggy J. Symons; Deland, Fla.

While the bridge at Selma, Ala., is the focus of attention, complete with back story and President Obama speaking of the anniversary of Blood Sunday, the real attention should be on voting rights ("Iconic Selma bridge has a racist back story").

Since the Supreme Court decision nullifying part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, new laws have sprung up that erect barriers for poor voters. Passing new laws to make it easy for all Americans to vote should be today's focus. You don't have to go to Selma to help make this happen. Just contact your representative and request laws be passed to return our government to the people.

Willie Dickerson; Snohomish, Wash.