Community Gathers in Selma to Discuss Bridge Crossing Jubilee

Event to honor legacy of late Reverend Jesse Jackson and call for more resources for Selma

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Community leaders in Selma, Alabama gathered on the Edmund Pettus Bridge to announce details for the upcoming Bridge Crossing Jubilee, which will take place in special memory of the late Reverend Jesse Jackson. Speakers stressed the need to unite the Selma community across multiple days at the bridge in order to bring more resources to the city's schools and local governments.

Why it matters

The Bridge Crossing Jubilee is an annual event commemorating the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches and the fight for voting rights. This year's event holds added significance as the community honors the legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away earlier this year. Selma has faced ongoing challenges with poverty and lack of resources, so community leaders are using the Jubilee to call for more support and investment.

The details

At the event, speakers said the Bridge Crossing Jubilee will be dedicated to Reverend Jesse Jackson, who was a key figure in the civil rights movement and a frequent visitor to Selma. Organizers are hoping to unite the community across multiple days of the event, not just on the single day of the bridge crossing, in order to bring more attention and resources to issues facing Selma's schools and local governments.

  • The 61st anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March will take place during the Bridge Crossing Jubilee.
  • The annual Martin and Coretta Scott King unity breakfast in March will feature Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as speakers.

The players

Faya Rose Toure

Civil Rights Activist who spoke at the event, calling for more resources and support for the Selma community.

Reverend Jesse Jackson

Civil rights leader who passed away earlier this year, and whom this year's Bridge Crossing Jubilee will honor.

JB Pritzker

Illinois Governor who is expected to participate in the 61st anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March and speak at the Martin and Coretta Scott King unity breakfast.

Pete Buttigieg

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary who is expected to participate in the 61st anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March and speak at the Martin and Coretta Scott King unity breakfast.

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What they’re saying

“We need help in Selma, so not just enough to have all boots on the bridge one day out of the week. We need all boots on the bridge because Selma is the Mecca. Jesse Jackson said 'Everybody should make a pilgrimage to Selma, but not to just cross the bridge to help rebuild the bridge,'”

— Faya Rose Toure, Civil Rights Activist (WSFA)

What’s next

The 61st anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March and the annual Martin and Coretta Scott King unity breakfast in March are expected to draw large crowds and heighten attention on the issues facing Selma.

The takeaway

This year's Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma holds added significance as the community honors the legacy of civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson. Organizers are using the event to call for more resources and support to address the ongoing challenges facing Selma, including poverty and lack of investment in schools and local infrastructure.