Bishop Legacy page 1B March 12, 2015
Volume 83, Issue 25
www.FlorAla.net
Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama
CIVIL RIGHTS
Selma anniversary sparks racial equality discussions JOHN ED DEARMAN ;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ RLMIZUIV(]VI ML]
Thousands gathered in Selma last weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March that helped gain voting rights for AfricanAmericans. Among those present at the ceremony was President Barack Obama, who gave a speech addressing how far America has come in the advancement of racial equality. “Because of campaigns like this, a Voting Rights Act was passed,” Obama said. “Political, economic and social barriers
came down, and the change these men and women wrought is visible here today in the presence of African-Americans who run boardrooms, who sit on the bench, who serve in elected office from small towns to big cities — from the Congressional Black Caucus to the Oval Office.” He continued to say the Selma marchers gave courage to millions of Americans, and they led a nation, even though not one of them held any elected office. He said not only did the marches help the advancement of African-Americans, but Americans of all backgrounds. “It’s absolutely fundamental that we continue to celebrate and reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Selma march and the Voting Rights Act,” said Scottie Hunter, news anchor and reporter for WVAS radio in M o n t g o m e r y,
who covered the Selma anniversary. “It’s a part of our history, not just in the U.S. but globally. It launched the fight for civil rights and equality.”
little more access. There were people everywhere. I met people from all walks of life. There was a sense of togetherness. People were here to celebrate. They were also looking for a way forward in our country.” Caroline Bobo said WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT she Junior was fortunate to attend the ONE DAYʼS COMMEMORATION, NO anniversary gathering. “It was amazing,” Bobo MATTER HOW SPECIAL, IS NOT ENOUGH. said. “I’ve never been in one IF SELMA TAUGHT US ANYTHING, ITʼS place where so many people THAT OUR WORK IS NEVER DONE. were gathered together under the same belief. There were thousands of people there.” Hunter said the atmosphere of the event indicated the U.S. is RESIDENT moving toward racial equality. However, there is still more Hunter said one of the work that needs to happen in the most impressive parts of the fight for equality, Obama said. “Racism is still alive,” said anniversary was the attendance. About 80,000 people went to senior Walter Hartley. “It’s just Selma, which has a population hidden.” Hartley said people should of around 20,000, over the not judge others solely based weekend. “It was absolutely on race, but they need to find phenomenal,” he said. “As part out what they have in common of the working media, I got a and also learn from each other’s
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BARACK OBAMA U.S. P
differences. Obama said the equality fight will progress, but likely never end. “We have to recognize that one day’s commemoration, no matter how special, is not enough,” he said. “If Selma taught us anything, it’s that our work is never done.” He then said it is a common mistake to say there is no more racism today, and said that he knows the march is not over and the race is not yet won. “On one hand I believe that there has been a great deal of progress, and that’s a beautiful thing, but I also see us regressing in too many ways,” said Tori Bailey, general manager of WZZA. It is the only radio station in the Shoals with a primarily African-American target audience. Bailey went on to say people need to continue to bring attention to events because they get people talking about issues.
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Hands raise in remembrance of the Selma to Montgomery March 50 years ago. “It’s a part of our history, not just in the U.S. but globally,” said Scottie Hunter, news anchor and reporter for WVAS radio in Montgomery. photo courtesy of June Howard
INSIDE
this week’s paper
NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A IMAGES. . . . . . . . 4A VIEWPOINTS . . . . 7A
SPORTS . . . . . . . 1B LIFE . . . . . . . . . 5B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 8B
FLAWLESS......5B
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