First Baptist Church in Selma will host the 61st 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.

Todd and Cindy talk about the commemoration in this segment of the Black Belt Newscast.

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