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Selma Today
By the People, for the People
Former Stillman Student Invites Classmates to March Together at Jubilee
Sara Smith, who attended Stillman College in 1965, is organizing a reunion for fellow alumni to commemorate the historic civil rights march.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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Sara Smith, an 81-year-old California native, is inviting fellow Stillman College alumni to join her in Selma, Alabama on Saturday, February 14th to march together and commemorate the historic Selma to Montgomery marches. Smith attended Stillman for one semester in 1965 and was deeply impacted by her experiences with the civil rights movement during that time.
Why it matters
Smith's invitation highlights the lasting impact that the civil rights movement and Stillman College's role in it had on students like herself. By organizing this reunion march, she is bringing together Stillman alumni to reflect on their shared history and continue the fight for racial justice.
The details
In 1965, Smith was a student at Pitzer College in California when her professor, James A. Joseph, arranged for her to spend a semester at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to learn more about the civil rights movement. During her time at Stillman, Smith attended campus events and activities, but was often aware of being watched by members of the Ku Klux Klan, including the Imperial Wizard Robert Shelton. Despite the challenges, Smith says the semester left a lasting impression and she remained friends with Professor Joseph over the decades.
- Sara Smith attended Stillman College for one semester in the spring of 1965.
- Smith is organizing a reunion march for Stillman alumni on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The players
Sara Smith
An 81-year-old California native who attended Stillman College for one semester in 1965 and is now organizing a reunion march for fellow alumni.
James A. Joseph
A professor at Pitzer College in California who arranged for Smith to spend a semester at Stillman College in 1965 to learn more about the civil rights movement. Joseph was also a leader in the Tuscaloosa civil rights movement.
Robert Shelton
The Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan who Smith says followed her down the street during her time in Tuscaloosa.
What they’re saying
“I had the good fortune to see leadership, integrity and pushing against your fears–all of these life lessons–in action.”
— Sara Smith (New York Times)
What’s next
Smith is encouraging any Stillman graduates interested in joining her to meet at Reflections Coffee Shoppe in Selma on Saturday, February 14th from 9:30-11am. Those unable to attend can email her at sarawsmith@gmail.com to connect.
The takeaway
Sara Smith's invitation to fellow Stillman alumni highlights the lasting impact that the civil rights movement and Stillman College's role in it had on students like herself. By organizing this reunion march, she is bringing together the Stillman community to reflect on their shared history and continue the fight for racial justice.
