Selma nonprofit to commemorate first Mr. Worth Long Freedom Nonviolent Holiday

The Selma Cross-Cultural Nonviolence Performing Arts Academy nonprofit will commemorate the first Mr. Worth Long Freedom Nonviolent Holiday on Oct. 7. 

Worth Long was an activist during the Civil Rights Movement who led from R.B. Hudson on a number of sit-ins to protest segregation, including one at the Dallas County Courthouse where most were arrested. 

The City of Selma declared Oct. 7 to be Mr. Worth Long Freedom Nonviolent Holiday in honor of him and those who fought for civil rights with him: 

“WHEREAS, Mr. Worth Long's organizing of Freedom Day helped ignite a wave of nonviolent demonstrations that echoed across the United States, shaping the course of American democracy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that October 7th shall be recognized as MR. WORTH LONG FREEDOM NONVIOLENT HOLIDAY in the City of Selma, in honor and leaders’ memory of his unwavering dedication, courage, and leadership that helped make Selma the birthplace of modern democracy and a beacon of nonviolence and civil rights.”

Long's son, William Long, Esq., will be the keynote speaker at the commemoration of the holiday and the 62nd anniversary of the events of the protests. 

The event will be held at 10 a.m. at Elmwood Christian Academy on 1215 Old Orrville Road in Selma.