Vivian, Andrew Young, Fred Shuttlesworth, Dr.
It was not a clash of armies, but a clash of wills a contest to determine the meaning of America.Īnd because of men and women like John Lewis, Joseph Lowery, Hosea Williams, Amelia Boynton, Diane Nash, Ralph Abernathy, C.T. In one afternoon fifty years ago, so much of our turbulent history – the stain of slavery and anguish of civil war the yoke of segregation and tyranny of Jim Crow the death of four little girls in Birmingham, and the dream of a Baptist preacher – met on this bridge.
Others are sites that symbolize the daring of America’s character – Independence Hall and Seneca Falls, Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral. Many are sites of war – Concord and Lexington, Appomattox and Gettysburg. There are places, and moments in America where this nation’s destiny has been decided. Bush, Governor Bentley, Members of Congress, Mayor Evans, Reverend Strong, friends and fellow Americans: Then, his knapsack stocked with an apple, a toothbrush, a book on government – all you need for a night behind bars – John Lewis led them out of the church on a mission to change America. Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you. No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you They comforted themselves with the final verse of the final hymn they sung: The air was thick with doubt, anticipation, and fear.
A doctor described what tear gas does to the body, while marchers scribbled down instructions for contacting their loved ones. Veterans of the movement trained newcomers in the tactics of non-violence the right way to protect yourself when attacked. Young folks with bedrolls and backpacks were milling about. Now, I have to imagine that when a younger John Lewis woke up that morning fifty years ago and made his way to Brown Chapel, heroics were not on his mind. It is a rare honor in this life to follow one of your heroes. Here is the full text of Saturday’s speech, as prepared for delivery. President Obama spoke before thousands on Saturday during a commemorative ceremony for the 50th anniversary of the events of “Bloody Sunday” when over 600 non-violent protesters were attacked by Alabama state troopers as they attempted to march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights.
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