Remembering Selma in NH: Past, Present & Future

The events on the Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on "Bloody Sunday," March 7, 1965, were pivotal in the Civil Rights movement and in our nation’s history, galvanizing public opinion and mobilizing Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act. Join us to commemorate the 59th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" with a community march, car rally, panel discussion and potluck lunch.  

We will meet at 100 Granite St, Manchester at 2:30 pm on March 3rd.   Please park in the UNH parking lot on the corner.  We will gather, have a short introduction and prayer by Pastor Renee Rouse and march across the Granite Street Bridge and back.  We'll then proceed with a car rally to the Valley St. jail and from there we will head to NEP House of Praise, 245 Maple Street in Manchester to enjoy lunch and hear stories from members of our community who will share their reflections on the past, present and future impacts of the march in Selma and the fight to preserve every citizen’s right to vote. Join the discussion to learn more about our history, and ways you can support current efforts to sustain and expand the gains of the Civil Rights era and ensure that voting remains inclusive and accessible to all NH citizens.

Our speakers will include:

The Honorable Harvey Keye, NH Human Rights Commissioner, former NH State Rep, host of Nashua Strong radio program and lifelong activist. From the time he was arrested for integrating the lunch counter at a Woolworths and was put on a hit list by the KKK, to celebrating the fist black President of the United States of America at Barak Obama's inauguration; Harvey has lived through a historically significant range of both man's inhumanity to man and man's humanity towards men.

Ophelia Burnett, Program Associate with American Friends Service Committee and Democracy Organizer with Open Democracy.  Ophelia is a passionate advocate for equality, justice, and the rights of marginalized communities. She has a deep belief in the inherent value and dignity of every individual and has dedicated herself to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.  By collaborating with organizations, activists, elected officials, and community leaders. she has been able to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals and effect positive change. 

Coyijocalyeea Grimes is an emerging youth leader from Manchester, NH. Coyijocalyeea grew up in the system and has dealt with systemic racism from a very young age. These tough experiences have taught her to be strong, resilient and compassionate. She hopes to use her lived experience to spread love and support other Black women and girls who are navigating challenging life circumstances. Coyijocalyeea is part of the AFSC NH Voter Engagement leadership team, working to engage new voters in Manchester and Concord who are young adults from historically marginalized communities, particularly BIPOC, immigrant, low-income and formerly incarcerated by focusing on the issues that are important to them and the importance of voting as a tool for much-needed change.

If you would like to contribute a dish to the potluck, please email Doreen.  This is a free event, but if you would like to make a donation to help offset the costs of this event, you may do so HERE.  

For disability accommodations (e.g., ASL or Spanish interpreters, alternative formats) please contact  (603-715-8197)  as soon as possible. 

Co-sponsoring Organizations: