Bloody Sunday

 On the morning of March 7th, 1965, The marches from Selma to Montgomery Alabama. This was a peaceful protest to attempt to gain attention for voter rights for African Americans. However, on the day of March 7th when the marchers crossed the county line they were met with an onslaught of officers and state troopers. These members of law enforcement attacked the marchers with clubs, tear gas and even unleashed dogs on the unarmed protesters.

The unarmed marchers never fought back. Many were beaten within inches of their lives and they never fought back. They eventually just turned around and walked back to Selma. The protesters had shown who they were and the state troopers had shown who they truly were. 

Luckily, for the marchers, the entire assault was captured on video. Within days, the footage was given to news stations and broadcasted for the entire country to see. American citizens were appalled at what they were seeing and felt sympathy for the unarmed protesters. The marchers had gained the support of the country and would see the benefits of that soon.

The uproar of support for the marchers from people around the entire country lit a fire under the Alabama government and U.S congress. Not long after, on August 6th, 1965, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act. This act prohibited racial discrimination in voting. The marchers had won in the end.

https://snccdigital.org/events/bloody-sunday/ 

https://www.history.com/news/selma-bloody-sunday-attack-civil-rights-movement