Kamala Harris to visit Alabama on Sunday

On Thursday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D) announced that she was pleased to Welcome Vice President Kamala Harris (D) to Selma for the 59th Commemoration of Bloody Sunday.

Vice President Harris will join the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and deliver remarks. During her speech, the Vice President is expected to honor the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, address what she feels is still necessary to achieve justice for all, and encourage Americans to continue the fight for fundamental freedoms. She will be joined by the Second Gentleman.

"At a time when our fundamental freedoms have come under renewed threat, we are grateful to have a President and Vice President who have remained steadfast in their commitment to the cause for which the Foot Soldiers marched, fought, and even died," said Rep. Sewell. "I am looking forward to welcoming Vice President Harris back to my hometown for a day of remembrance, reflection, and rededication."

Harris previously visited Alabama in 2022 when she marked the anniversary of Bloody Sunday by meeting with Civil Rights leaders, joining a historic march in Selma, and delivering a speech calling on Congress to pass Democratic priority legislation.

Also this weekend, Rep. Sewell will welcome a delegation of Members of Congress and Civil Rights Leaders to Alabama for the Faith and Politics Institute's annual Civil Rights Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage will honor the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama by retracing its pivotal steps and offers a unique opportunity for Members of Congress, local government officials, and business leaders to convene, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue on our shared history.

Sewell hosted a press availability on Saturday, March 2nd at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

In 1964 voting rights marchers attempted to march from Selma to Montgomery to protest in favor of passage of the 1964 Voting Rights Act. They were senselessly attacked by Alabama State Troopers – many of them mounted on horseback, local police, and White citizen volunteers as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The incident drew national and international headlines. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. then traveled to Selma where he organized a second march – that protected by the National Guard – was able to complete the march to Montgomery. The Selma to Montgomery voting rights march helped galvanize congressional support for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1964.

Every year the march commemoration draws hundreds of tourists to Selma. President Joesph R. Biden (D) came himself in 2000 right before his victory in the Alabama Democratic primary.

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