WASHINGTON DC, --Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) is hosting and participating in the 12th Annual Faith and Politics Institute’s Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage in Alabama the weekend of March 2-4. The three-day pilgrimage is a commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

The bi-partisan Civil Rights Pilgrimage is co-hosted by Rep. John Lewis, Rep. Spencer Bachus, Rep. Martha Roby and Rep. Sewell. Participants have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Freedom Fighters who courageously fought for the Civil Rights of all Americans.

“I am honored to co-host the Civil Rights Pilgrimage and delighted to welcome my colleagues and all participants to Alabama and the 7th Congressional District,” said Rep. Sewell. “The pilgrimage provides an opportunity to reflect on our past and recommit to the ideals of equality and justice that the Civil Rights Movement represents. The annual pilgrimage reminds us that we are indebted to the Civil Rights activists who marched, fought and bled for the rights that we all enjoy today,” added Rep. Sewell.

The pilgrimage includes visits to historic Civil Rights sites in Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma.  The pilgrimage will conclude on the 47th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday with a reenactment of the historic march from Selma to Montgomery.  Participants include over 20 Members of Congress, Civil Rights luminaries, students, and many noted scholars and civic leaders. 

“At a time when our nation is so divided, it is encouraging to see the participation of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle joining together to celebrate the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Rep Sewell.

The pilgrimage comes just a day after the unanimous passage of H. Res 562, a bi-partisan resolution directing the Office of the Historian of the United States House of Representatives to compile oral histories from current and former Members of Congress involved in the historic Selma to Montgomery marches as well as the Civil Rights Movement.

The resolution was sponsored by Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) and Congressman Martha Roby (AL-02).

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Contact:  Breelyn Pete;     Breelyn.pete@mail.house.gov;     202.225.2665