Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-7) released the following statement concerning the nationwide release of Selma on Friday, January 9th:

“I am excited about the national release of the movie Selma. The timely release of the movie will serve as a prelude to the 50^th commemoration of the Selma to Montgomery march, which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“The 1965 events in Selma warrant more than a mere footnote on the pages of American history. As a daughter of Selma, and as the Congresswoman who represents Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, I know that the injustices protesters suffered on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday have not been fully vindicated. Their fight is now our fight.  

“As a result of the modern challenges to the voting rights, the movie Selma needs to be a catalyst for change, and a call for a renewed commitment to protect the right to vote for all Americans. It’s important that we retell the story to honor the strength, bravery and sacrifice of those who fought to expand our civil rights and to educate those for whom these battles were fought.

“Segregation and racial animosity are painful parts of our past, but we cannot appreciate how far we have come without acknowledging where we have been.

“Selma represents the soul of America. It was because of the courage of those brave men and women – black and white – that this nation can live up to its ideals. I applaud Paramount Pictures for screening the movie for free to Selma residents. I encourage everyone to see this film, and to visit Selma to experience this living history for themselves.”  

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