Selma civil rights activist Alice West dies at age 93

Alice Martin West, a civil rights activist in Selma, passed away at her home in Selma on Friday at age 93.

West's family released this statement early Friday morning:

Born and raised in Safford, Alabama, Ms. West dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality for all. She and her husband Lonzy West, Sr.  joined the Civil Rights Movement in 1965, and Ms. West played an instrumental role in the struggle for voting rights in Selma. She assisted more than 300 people to register to vote, and participated in many marches, including the historic Selma to Montgomery March.

Ms. West's home became a safe haven for many civil rights activists, including Jonathan Daniels, a 26-year-old white Episcopal seminary student from Massachusetts, who came to Selma to support voting rights marchers, and resided with the West family until he was killed while in the act of shielding 17-year-old Ruby Sales. Ms.West also co-founded and ran a child development center for underprivileged children, which was renamed the Jonathan Daniels Daycare Center in honor of her dear friend.

Other welcomed guests during the movement included: Representative John Lewis, Stokely Carmichael, H. Rap Brown, United States Ambassador Andrew Young, Julian Bond, James Orange, Rev. Richard Boone, Rev. James Bevel, Kim Lederer, and Frank Siracco. Young civil rights workers, activists and organizers found Ms. West's home to be a safe haven from the struggle that Selma was enduring. As a result of her kindness, her home became the second Freedom Rights Home.

Ms. West was most proud of her family. She and her husband, Lonzy West had 13 children. Her legacy will live on through her children and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Ms. West was a devoted member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, and was known throughout the community for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to justice. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family asks for privacy during this difficult time. Her care has been entrusted to Miller’s funeral home. 

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.