Opportunity Alabama receives grant from National Park Service for historic revitalization in Selma, Marion

Selma is home to many buildings that are 200 years old or more.

Opportunity Alabama (OPAL) was one of 11 other organization to receive funds from a revitalization grant program by the National Park Service (NPS) for the preservation of historic buildings in Selma and Marion. 

OPAL received a Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant, funded by the Historic Preservation Fund as administered by the NPS's Department of Interior.

A press release from OPAL cited the "economic decline" being seen in historic downtown corridors, prompting a need for revitalization. Selma and Marion are homes to sites important to the Civil Rights Movement and earlier history.

“I’m thrilled that the National Park Service has made this historic investment in Marion and Selma, two communities that helped change the trajectory of our nation’s history,” said Rep. Terri Sewell.

“Each year, I’m proud to lead the congressional effort to increase funding for the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund to ensure that America’s Civil Rights history lives on. I’m pleased to see that our district is once again benefitting from this critical funding which will complement ongoing local efforts to preserve the rich legacy of the Black Belt.”

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