A March Into History

Story By: Adam Pettway

From March 02 to March 05 Selma Alabama hosted its 52- annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee. The Jubilee is a commemoration of the anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" and the Selma to Montgomery March. Activities include a pageant, a dance, women and youth conferences, a parade, festival, interfaith service and National Voting Rights Hall of Fame induction.

Rev. Al Sharpton crossing the bridge at the jubilee

One 93 year old woman who has lived through the Civil Rights Movement has some interesting stories about her life during that time and also meeting one of the pioneers of the Movement Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Menda Pettway a resident of Alberta Alabama got the chance to meet Dr. King at the store her and her late husband Joseph Pettway owned.

It was that chance meeting that sparked Mrs. Pettway's involvement in the Civil Right Movement.

Menda Pettway at home during the interview

Mrs. Pettway and her husband fought for the right to vote but were meet with opposition on every turn with officials making them take different test to prove they can vote.

Even though she was meet with opposition she did not give up and kept pushing forward to help others get the right to vote.

Mrs. Pettway has continued to push for Civil Rights and says as long as she can fight she will continue to fight for what's right.
To learn more about the Jubilee go to http://www.selma50.com/