The Selma Times-Journal

Led by the Rev. Michael Henson and other community and religious leaders, about 45 Selmians gathered on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Sunday to atone for their sins and to reinvest themselves in their community.

Henson said the community must atone for its sins and come together. Citing the high crime rate and other societal ills, the speakers believed the only solution for these problems was atonement.

The event, according to Henson, is part of a larger effort to foster community awareness and involvement.

The reason it was held on the bridge, according to speaker Valencia Bevel, was because of its history.

Blevins said the community had to achieve a higher standard.

Henson said he was happy with the reaction of the community.

The Rev. Theodore Larry Kirkland was the keynote speaker for the event. He said atonement was about community members commiting themselves to be useful.