Hundreds Commemorate Historic Selma March In St. Paul
ST. PAUL (WCCO) – Ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday," continued Saturday in Selma, Alabama and across the country, including right here in Minnesota.
Hundreds gathered on the steps of the State Capitol in St. Paul Saturday afternoon to commemorate the historic 1965 march in Selma, where freedom activists were clubbed and tear gassed by police as they peacefully protested for equal voting rights, crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
The St. Paul group is calling for continued action and said marches like this one are a reminder that everyone has to do their part.
"We're not there yet -- the Selma marchers started this, and we have a long way to go," marcher Katie Brink said during the march. "We're here to stand in solidarity with those who are trying to make our country a better place."
Following Saturday's rally at the State Capitol, the group marched a half-mile route across the Cedar Street Bridge to pay homage to the freedom marchers. About three dozen religious groups participated in the event, too.