The Anderson County Democratic Women’s Club will hear about the recent 50th anniversary observance of the Selma-to-Montgomery March at its meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 23, at Shoney’s Restaurant at 204 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.
Heidi Brenner, who attended the Selma anniversary with about 20 members of the Oak Ridge United Universalist Church, will be the guest speaker. Other local organizations that sent members to Selma, Alabama, included Organizing for Action, the NAACP, and the Oak Ridge Sportsmen’s Club.
March 7 marked the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when about 600 people joined civil rights leaders to march in support of voting rights and equality. As they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the marchers were met with state troopers who attacked them with billy clubs and tear gas. The event became known as Bloody Sunday and helped to propel the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Thousands of people joined President Obama on the 50th anniversary to again walk across the bridge and commemorate that historic day.
On March 21, 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a march in support of voting rights from Selma to Montgomery with 3,500 people, including ministers from many faiths, civil rights leaders, and celebrities.
Those attending the meeting may purchase dinner from the buffet or menu. No reservations are required. For more information, please e-mail Ann Mostoller at [email protected] or call Mary Matheny at(865) 483-8937.
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