It won’t be long before Selma is filled with visitors eager to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, and the Selma chapter of Links Inc. is making plans to honor individuals who helped made it all possible.   

The group, which is comprised of Selma and Dallas County women dedicated to serving the community, is hosting its 22nd annual Unity Breakfast Monday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 a.m. The event is meant to celebrate civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday by recognizing his dream of peace, love and equality.

“I would like for [guests] to reflect on the changes that were made as a result of the accomplishments and the sacrifices of those foot soldiers ahead of us,” said Nancy Sewell, former president of the Selma chapter of Links Inc. and charter member. “And I want to know how we can continue the legacy, continue the dream.”

The keynote speaker is Sheyann Webb-Christburg, who protested for equal rights at 8 years old. Named the “Smallest Freedom Fighter” by King, Webb-Christburg used to sneak out of her house to attend meetings and lead her congregation in singing freedom songs, according to Links Inc.

Webb-Christburg went on to share her experiences in a book she co-wrote called “Selma, Lord, Selma: Girlhood Memories of the Civil Rights Days.”

During the ceremony, individuals who played a vital role in the civil rights movement will be recognized.

Among the group of honorees is Selma native Charles Mauldin. Elected student leader of the Dallas County Youth League in Late 1964, Mauldin participated in organized protests that led to the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The late Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson will also be recognized at the event.  To purchase tickets for the Unity Breakfast, contact local members of the Selma chapter Chairwoman Patricia Robinson can be reached at 334-300-4272 and president Charlotte Griffeth can be reached at 334-467-5143.