Marilyn Miller

This book provides background information regarding the historic march across the the Edmund Pettus bridge when, on March 7, 1965 approximately 525 people, including children tried to march from Selma to the state capitol in Montgomery to protest the policies that made voter registration impossible to achieve for blacks.

When the marchers arrived at the end of the bridge, they were assaulted by state troopers and a large group of locals, with tear gas, night sticks and clubs. The marchers retreated to a local church where they lay beaten, and some who were beaten unconscious were treated.

There were two additional marches after March 7th. On March 9th, with Martin Luther King at the forefront, attempted to once again walk over the bridge and continue to Montgomery. Fearful of another bloody event, mid way, King instructed the group to return. On this evening, James Reeb, a white Unitarian minister was murdered. He came to Selma to show respect for the mission of the black marchers. Tragically, he was beaten to death.

The third march was successful because President Lyndon Johnson provided clear instructions that the State Troopers should escort and marchers, and no violence against them should occur.… (plus d'informations)