Selma

• • In 1965, Selma, Alabama had more black people abe to vote than white people, but only 1% were actually registered as to Selma having the largest WCC in Alabama
  • The WCC opposed voter registration efforts as they did not want black people to be able to vote and elect officials that may be sympathetic to their issues
• • The SCLC and MLK went to Selma in 1965 to increase voter registration and protest unfair registration tests
  • Protesters were attacked and faced police
• • At the same time, President Johnson was trying to gain support for the Voting Rights Act
  • On 7th March, protestors started to march from Selma to Montgomery but were attacked outside Selma by state troopers
• • This was known as Bloody Sunday and caused national outrage
  • It caused marches all over USA in support of the protestors in Selma, with hundreds of black and white people joining
• • Johnson ordered the national guard to be put under federal control and escort Selma protestors safely to Montgomery, led by MLK
• • The Selma to Montgomery March led to the Voting Rights Act 1965