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John Lewis commemorates 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday

By Tia Mitchell, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Presidential Democratic Candidates March Across Edmund Pettus Bridge Marking 55th Anniversary Of Selma's Bloody Sunday SELMA, ALABAMA - MARCH 01: Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) arrives to speak to the crowd at the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing reenactment marking the 55th anniversary of Selma's Bloody Sunday on March 1, 2020 in Selma, Alabama. Mr. Lewis marched for civil rights across the bridge 55 years ago. Some of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates attended the Selma bridge crossing jubilee ahead of Super Tuesday. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

By Tia Mitchell, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

U.S. Rep. John Lewis joined throngs of people commemorating the 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday at a march across the Edmond Pettus Bridge in Selma.

Voting rights activists, including Lewis, were beaten by law enforcement on March 7, 1965, when they crossed the bridge into Selma as part of a voting rights march to Montgomery, Ala.

Each year, Lewis and other civil rights leaders, plus throngs of others, have re-enacted the march. This year, his participation was in doubt because he is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.

This year, Lewis rode in a car across the bridge, but then got out into the crowd to deliver an inspirational speech.

“I’m not going to give up,” Lewis said. “I’m not going to give in. I’m going to continue to fight. We need your prayers now than ever before.”

Lewis also greeted marchers, including former Georgia candidate for Gov. Stacey Abrams and Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., at the apex of the bridge.

“I’m inspired to come back to this bridge and to see so many people who are gathered here today,” he told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Several candidates running for the Democratic nomination for president also marched across the bridge during Sunday’s events.


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