AN OPEN LETTER AND REQUEST FOR SOLIDARITY FROM THE SELMA BRIDGE CROSSING JUBILEE

Dear Ally in the Struggle,

As you may have heard, the historic Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee will be held in a 100% virtual format this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant threat that it poses to communities such as Selma, AL. It was a difficult decision for our organization since for the past 28 years the Jubilee has been an annual pilgrimage to the Queen City of the Black Belt, bringing together tens-of-thousands of freedom fighters, educators, and everyday people to celebrate, educate, and commemorate our history. However, we feel it is imperative that we do everything in our power to stop the spread of this deadly disease and we urge you to do the same by working with us to make the 56th Anniversary safe and memorable.

After speaking to the newly elected Mayor of Selma, James Perkins, Jr., we agree that it is better to err on the side of caution as we face the devastating impacts of the virus on our community. Statistics show that communities like Selma with predominantly black populations and the presence of economic poverty are at some of the highest risk to contract and potentially perish from COVID. We must do everything we can to protect the people of Selma and those who may potentially come to attend any in-person events over the weekend of March 7th, 2021.

With that being the case, we respectfully ask for your solidarity in the attempt to keep people safe by not holding any in-person events in or around the City of Selma to avoid drawing unnecessary crowds. We want to invite you to join in the celebrations and commemorations virtually by partnering working with the Jubilee to coordinate, host, or plan any events that would otherwise take place over the weekend. This includes, but is not limited to, any events in connection to Bloody Sunday, the Selma-to-Montgomery March, the murder of Jimmy Lee Jackson, or the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In the spirit of the historic march and to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people of Selma we ask for your solidarity in avoiding anything that could result in a “superspreader event”. To talk about ways we can coordinate together and find ways to incorporate your organization or group into the 56th Anniversary Bridge Crossing Jubilee, please contact our Principal Coordinator, Drew Glover by calling 334-526-2626 x801 or by emailing drew@selmajubilee.com.

In this moment of pandemic and protest, solidarity will be our most powerful tool in positive social change. Let us join together and become that much stronger.

Sincerely yours in community and solidarity,

Drew S. Glover

Principal Coordinator, Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee

and the Bridge Crossing Jubilee Board of Directors

Rebecca Marion

Alecha Irby

Dr. Margaret Hardy

K.C. Bailey

Annie Pearl Avery

Sheyann Webb-Christburg

Faya Rose Toure

Yohance Maqubela

Mae Richmond

Rev. Mark A. Thompson

Sam Walker

Carolyn Gaines-Varner

Leonard Dunston

Malika Fortier