Remembering Selma March And Panel Set For Sunday

Press release from Open Democracy:

March 2, 2023

On Sunday, March 5 at 2:30PM a collaboration of organizations will lead a march across the Bridge Street bridge to honor the anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma and the sacrifices made there for the right to vote. The march will be followed by a speaking program at NEP House of Praise centered around what we must continue to do to protect the freedom to vote and eliminate barriers to voting, particularly for people of color, throughout the United States and here in New Hampshire.

“The march here in Manchester is an opportunity to experience some of what it was like to march for freedom on "Bloody Sunday," 50 years ago. It is an experience that cannot be taught in schools or learned from history books. An experience that will show how people can come together. An experience that will have a profound impact on those who participate." James McKim, President of the Manchester Branch of the NAACP.

“This event to commemorate the march in Selma and the impact on the Civil Rights Movement is an important opportunity for our community to learn more about NH’s connection to this powerful time in our American history through our community members’ stories. To grow our understanding about the ongoing challenges to maintain the gains of that era and ways we can come together to ensure that voting remains accessible and free of discrimination for all New Hampshire citizens regardless of race, class or disability.” Grace Kindeke, Program Coordinator, American Friends Service Committee.

WHO:

Speakers: James McKim, President, Manchester NAACP. Deborah Opramolla, Program Manager, Disability Rights Center. Harriet Ward, artist and member of the Sacred Ally Quilt Ministry. Reverend Renee Rouse, Pastor, Northwood Congregational Church.

Moderator: Grace Kindeke, Program Coordinator, American Friends Service Committee

Event Sponsors: American Friends Service Committee-NH, NH Center for Justice & Equity, NH Council of Churches, Manchester NAACP, Open Democracy, Granite State Progress, NH Peace Action, League of Women Voters NH, Concord SURJ, Granite State Organizing Project, NH Youth Movement, BLM Seacoast, BLM Nashua, NH Disability Rights Center.

WHAT: A march and speaking program.

WHERE:

Manchester, NH. The march will leave from Hartnett parking lot, 99 Lowell St. at 2:30 pm, walk to the Bridge St. bridge, and then walk back to NEP House of Praise, 251 Chestnut St. for the speaking event.

WHEN: The march will begin Sunday, March 5 at 2:30PM. Attendees are welcome to join only for the speaking program, which will start around 3:30PM at NEP House of Praise.

EVENT PAGE: https://www.opendemocracynh.org/remembering_selma

This press release was produced by Open Democracy. The views expressed here are the author's own.