On the first day of the 2026 Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee the Original SNCC Freedom Singers will open the Mass Meeting at Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church with the Freedom Overture.
The performance will be part of the "diverse musical and cultural" events to be featured in the three-day occasion.
"Music was integral to the Voting Rights Movement. Foot Soldiers faced danger and death, and they turned struggle into strength, marching to the sound of freedom," said a press release from the office of Sen. Hank Sanders.
"Singing was not just background music. It helped nonviolent marchers endure fear, fatigue and violence. Freedom Songs drew from spirituals and gospel music, giving a voice to the hope, faith and struggle of the marchers."
On March 6, musician Ayanna Gregory, daughter of comedian and Civil Rights leader Dick Gregory, will perform for children during the Invisible Giants Program at the Selma High School Auditorium from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
On the same day a one-woman musical play based on the life of Amelia Boynton Robinson will also premiere at Selma High School performed by Yomi Goodall.
On March 7 to 8 Jubilee’s All-Day Music Festivals will be held on Water Avenue featuring gospel singer Dottie Peoples, VOTE (Voices of Triumph Emerging), jazz musicians, the Last Poets and others.
The Selma Intergenerational Hip Hop Political Summit features RSB Woo, John Boy, Pastor Troy, Mykko Montata, DJ Smooth, Homebwoi, DJ Oscar, Mr. Smoke, and more on March 7 from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Selma High School will host the Jubilee Battle of the Bands at 11:30 a.m. before the Step Show Competition at 7:30 p.m.
The “Words That Made the Difference: Brown v. Board of Education” play by Dr. Cindy Acker will be performed by a actors from California at 6 p.m. at the Goodwin Theater on the campus of Wallace Community College Selma and March 8 at 6 p.m. at Selma’s Walton Theater.
They will also perform an excerpt of the play at the Dallas County Courthouse on Friday at 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., followed by the Annual Mock Trial.
On March 8 the Jubilee Gospel Concert features Benita Jones, Jasmine Williams, Godfrey King, and others from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a musical tribute to the Foot Soldiers 4 p.m. Sunday. This will have 2024 winner of “The Voice” Asher HaVon headlining the tribute.
Other events will be Miss Jubilee Pageant, the Freedom Flame Awards, the Martin & Coretta King Unity Breakfast, the Commemorative March, and others.
The Empowerment Village will be on Water Avenue on March 7 blood pressure readings and other free health services, as well as free legal services and more. The Red Cross will be present to distribute free smoke detectors.
More information can be see on www.selmajubilee.com.
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