Greene County 3rd grade scholars joined approximately 500 youth from various parts of Alabama to participate in the Children’s Sojourn/Youth Freedom March across the historic Edmond Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL, Friday, March 7, 2025. The children’s march was part of the 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the 33rd Annual Bridge Crossing Commemoration and Jubilee held in Selma.
“Youth were central to the struggle for voting rights in the 1960s, bravely facing arrests and significant danger. Friday’s march recognizes their courage and contributions. Initially, young people were not going to be allowed to make their annual sojourn across the bridge for the 60th Anniversary. Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL) and Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC) were both instrumental in ensuring Friday’s Youth Sojourn could take place, helping organizers keep the bridge open for the young people’s historic march,” stated Attorney Hank Sanders, co-founder of the Annual Bridge Crossing Commemoration.
Following the Children’s Sojourn/Youth Freedom March, conversations were held with Foot Soldiers of 1965 at the Memorial Park on the Montgomery side of the bridge. The youth also visited other historical sites in Selma.

Emma Jackson, of Eutaw, AL, receives a commemoration honoring her brother Jimmie Lee Jackson who was killed by State Troopers during a peaceful march in Marion, AL in 1965. The plaque was presented at the annual Freedom Flames Award Banquet Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Selma, as part of the 60th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March.