Multiple ministries came together Saturday to preach unity to the Selma community.

People all across Alabama visited George Washington Carver Homes Saturday to join the Selma Strong Rally meant to inspire unity, equality and hope in the Selma. Hosted by Helping Hands Bible Ministries and Bonds of Love Ministries, the event attracted more than 100 people.

“Selma is strong,” said Ralph Edwards Sr., the founder of Helping Hands Bible Ministries of Selma. “My vision is that Selma will be even stronger.”

Representatives of Gardendale’s Glenn Chapel, Selma’s First Baptist Church and more went to the rally Saturday to support the cause.

At 11 a.m., residents marched around the GWC Homes community displaying signs and chanting about Selma’s strength.

Afterward, the guests were served free food, drinks and entertainment.

The entertainment portion of the rally kicked off with the Love City Praise Team singing a couple of spiritual hymns, followed by a performance from the Glory Phy God Step Team.

Edwards said the event serves as a kickoff to a larger movement to better the community by uniting against violence, helping people realize their self-worth, encouraging people to get their education and more.

“We just believe that God is in this, and we’re looking forward to this being a great, great thing for all of Selma,” Edwards said.

Selma Mayor George Evans, Councilman Michael Johnson, Council President Corey Bowie and Selma Chief of Police William Riley joined the Selma Strong Rally Saturday.

After participating in the march, Evans spoke to the crowd about the importance of building a more positive Selma.

“It’s a means of trying to create awareness to the people of Selma and Dallas County that we all need to unite and work together to keep the spirit of Christ in our lives,” Evans said.

While Evans was happy to see so many people participate in the rally, Evans said he would have liked to see even more come out.

“Generally, the ones that come out are not the ones that need to really hear the word,” Evans said. “The ones that show up are normally the ones that are already practicing and preaching the word.”

Toward the end of the rally, Edwards shared some encouraging words to the crowd.

“Come on and help us. We need every man,” Edwards said.

“You are special, and together we can build a strong Selma.”