Thousands Converged Upon Selma Despite the Weather

Anyone who plans any type of event knows that the weather plays a huge role in attendance.  It doesn't even have to be an outdoor event. Sometimes, the safety of travel is questionable enough to prevent would-be supporters from coming out.

Luckily, that was not the case for those attending the Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma.  Though the number of participants was much smaller than previous years, there were still thousands of people who braved the weather to walk the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The Bridge Crossing Jubilee commemorates Bloody Sunday (March 7, 1965), which led to Black people obtaining the right to vote. A significant event in history, many refused to be deterred by weather events of the day.

Much of Alabama saw rain today, with some areas being destroyed and lives taken by tornadic activity in the state. During the advertised time of the march (2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.), it seemed like there was a deliberate lull in the rain, allowing participants to walk in peace.

Of course no such event would be complete without live entertainment and street vendors, who were supported by the masses.

Considering the fact that we are not too far removed from the time of the Bloody Sunday massacre, it is important to remember just how recent it was and to continue to pay homage.