1965 was a year of heightened tension and palpable frustration among African Americans, who continued to face systemic racial discrimination, particularly in the realm of voting rights. In response to this ongoing injustice, civil rights activists strategically chose Selma, Alabama, as the backdrop for their battle.

The Selma to Montgomery March commenced on March 7, 1965, when a group of peaceful protesters, consisting mostly of African Americans, attempted to march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery to demand their right to vote. However, their peaceful intentions were met with brutal violence from local law enforcement, as state troopers and police officers attacked the demonstrators with batons and tear gas on the now-infamous Bloody Sunday.

The shocking scenes of violence captured the attention of the nation and sparked widespread outrage, prompting a call for immediate federal intervention. Martin Luther King Jr. seized the moment and urged supporters from across the country to join the marchers in a show of solidarity.

Days after the violent clash, on March 9, a larger group assembled once again, this time protected by a federal court order that ensured their right to peacefully protest. Led by King and other prominent civil rights activists such as John Lewis and James Bevel, the marchers started their arduous journey, walking approximately 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery.

The Selma to Montgomery March represented more than a demonstration for voting rights; it became a symbol of unity and determination in the face of oppression. Along the way, the marchers encountered both support and opposition, with many local communities offering aid and encouragement, while others displayed hostility. Despite these challenges, the marchers persisted, galvanized by their unwavering belief in equality.

Finally, on March 25, after days of intense physical and emotional exertion, the marchers reached their destination—the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery. With thousands of supporters gathered around them, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic and powerful speech, known as the How Long, Not Long speech, emphasizing that the fight for equal voting rights was far from over.

The impact of the Selma to Montgomery March reverberated throughout the country. It brought the issue of voting rights to the forefront of national consciousness and led to President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law, prohibiting racial discrimination in voting practices.

The Selma to Montgomery March was a watershed moment in American history, capturing the essence of the Civil Rights Movement and marking a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for racial equality. It served as a reminder of the power of peaceful resistance and the tireless pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.