Saturday morning dozens of Foot Soldiers from the Voting Rights Movement gathered at R.B. Hudson Middle School to catch up and share old marching stories.
They shared smiles, laughs and special moments as they reflected back on what they did in 1965 to make the movement what it became, a difference maker.
Many times in history only the big names are remembered.
Everyone knows about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Courageous Eight, John Lewis, Annie Cooper and more.
But what about the others? Those names were vital to the movement in Selma that eventually led to the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but so were many, many others.
Last year, the Foot Soliders were honored for the part they played in the Voting Rights Movement, as they were awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon someone.
Seeing them all smiling, laughing and sharing stories Saturday morning was a special experience. It’s not every day that you are in the presence of people who helped change history, and they surely did just that.
Charles Mauldin, who started the Foot Soldiers Breakfast, said it best Saturday morning.
“What was unique about the movement is that little people became extraordinary,” Mauldin said as he welcomed everyone to the breakfast.
Him, as well as hundreds and hundreds of others did become extraordinary. They helped make a difference that was felt across the United States.
Their stories are not always told in the history books, but they played as much of a part in the movement as anyone.
Thousands of people have come to Selma this weekend to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the voting rights marches, and we hope many of you that are visiting get a chance to hear stories from the Foot Soldiers and even meet some of them yourselves. Their stories are courageous, and they certainly deserve the recognition.