First Baptist Church in Selma to host commemoration of 1965 Voting Rights Act on Aug. 2

First Baptist Church in Selma will host the 61^st annual commemoration of the 1965 Voting Rights Act on Sunday Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. 

The keynote speaker will be Deanna “Dee” Reed, a political strategist and community activist from Birmingham. Reed works with Black Voters Matter and is affiliated with Rock City Church. She was among those who led the fight at the Alabama State Capitol this spring over redistricting.

The program will also honor several individuals whose sacrifices and leadership were critical to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, including Jimmie Lee Jackson from Marion, whose death sparked the marches in 1965. Jackson’s family members are expected to attend, according to Chairman of the Deacon Board Billy Young.

The church will also recognize the late Margaret Jones Moore, a well-known Selma educator, and Rev. Thomas L. Threadgill of Wilcox County. 

Several living honorees will be recognized as well. Young said Kirk Carrington Sr. will be honored as one of the young foot soldiers. Joanne Nance of Lowndes County and her husband Bob Nance, who were instrumental in the Lowndes County movement, will also be recognized. Flossie Menifee, a foot soldier now living in Detroit, plans to return to Selma to be honored.

Young described the day as one of remembrance, reflection and renewal. He said dignitaries from across Alabama are expected to attend. 

The commemoration is sponsored by First Baptist Church, Alabama Sen. Robert Stewart of District 23, Foot Soldiers Park, Salute Selma and Wonder Black Men Selma, Inc. 

The church doors will open at 10 a.m.