Edmund Pettus Bridge — Attraction in Selma

I'm always interested in exploring this beautiful country. America is the most diverse country on the planet; always something new to see or learn. Occasionally my adventures reveal facts that intrigued me in unexpected ways. Hence my visit to Selma and the journey across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. I wa excited beyond measure to finally visit one of the beacon locations of the Civil Rights Movement, the Edmund Pettus Bridge. My excitement was, however; dampened when I learned that this iconic bridge is named for a former Alabama LEADER of the Klu Klux Klan. (Grand Dragon) Oh how distraught I became when I lamented on this irony. Black people beaten and bloodied by "defenders" protecting a "named bridge" of a devout and AVOWED racist. There should be NO debate as to renaming of this passage way through the beautiful and storied city of Selma. Perhaps, only as a suggestion, "American Freedom Bridge" or a name which symbolizes our country today. SURELY there is a reason so many migrants risk their lives daily coming to America. This truly is a country where Freedom and opportunity prevails. 83 years is far too long for "our" America to honor individuals who spewed the views and precepts of the KKK. Whether it's state or local leaders with the power to DO WHAT'S RIGHT,...

Today was awesome, I finally made it to Selma. Let me just say Selma still looks like it’s 1965 (literally nothing has changed). I know historical places can’t make any changes to the outside of buildings but these places weren’t even open for business. The whole downtown is closed on the weekends. So we decided to do the Selma to Montgomery March route and guess what we ran into? A MARCH ... A March that started at Brown Chapel Church and ended by crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge (Soon to be changed to John Lewis Bridge).. Yep this was right up my alley. We were given signs, shirts, and fans.. Today we were marching for the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. I’m not sure if you have been paying attention but a lot of states are changing the laws and suppressing the votes that disproportionately prevent minorities, the elderly, and the youth from voting. The bill provides the tools to address these discriminatory practices and seeks to protect all Americans’ right to vote. Today was the perfect day to be in Selma.. John Lewis always taked about “Good Trouble” I was just glad to be in the mist of so...

The Edmund Pettus Bridge, spanning the Alabama River in Selma, holds profound historical significance as the site of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches. These pivotal events were instrumental in the civil rights movement, highlighting the struggle for voting rights and racial equality in the United States. The bridge became a symbol of the courage and resilience of activists who faced brutal opposition in their quest for justice.

Today, however, the area surrounding the Edmund Pettus Bridge tells a more somber story. Despite its historical importance, the community remains economically challenged. Persistent poverty and underdevelopment continue to affect many residents, underscoring the disparity between the progress achieved through the civil rights movement and the current socioeconomic conditions. While the bridge stands as a monument to significant strides in civil rights, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for economic and social revitalization...