Dr. Martin L. King Jr.

The demonstration that led to the most important advance in civil rights for millions of Black Americans began here March 21, 1965. It was the 50-mile march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, the State Capital.

Defying threats of death, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., led 400 Black and White Americans on the longest, largest, most dramatic march of his 13-year career.

It gave southern Blacks the right as citizens to cast a ballot and help determine and help operate the government under which they live. In the succeeding 10 years, Black voters increased from 1,463,000 to 3,845,000 and Black elected officials from 72 to 2,568 in the states affected. Hundreds of others were named to public post. Blacks attained a more equitable share of tax benefits and won greater self esteem and respect from other as voting citizens. All these things flowed from what began here.

This is a tribute to those who planned, encouraged, marched, were jailed, beaten and died to change Black Americans from second class to first class citizens.

They Gave Their Lives

to overcome injustice and secure the right to

vote for all Americans.

James J. Reeb

Boston

Viola Gregg Liuzzo

Detroit

Jimmy Lee Jackson

Marion, Alabama

Dedicated

August 11, 1979

This was the

starting point

of the march

from Selma

to Montgomery

March 21, 1965

Project Conceived and

Edited by Executive

Secretary Robert H. Miller

1896-1979

“…Let Us March On Til Victory Is Won”

James Weldon Johnson

“Lift Every Voice and Sing"

Marker is on Martin Luther King Street north of Selma Avenue, on the right when traveling north.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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