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Sen. Malika Sanders Fortier presented checks to several non-profit organizations on Monday at the Edmund Pettus Bridge at Songs of Selma Park.

Fortier’s “Deputy Senators– Patricia Posey, former Mayor George Evans, former County Commissioner Valerie Reubin, Patricia Stewart, Veedan Chimehiura,  Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn and Marla Moore– all attended the press conference.

Dallas County School Systems, Selma City Schools, Town of Orrville, and McRae Learning Center all received checks from Fortier.

SCS received $25,000. Dallas County Schools landed $30,000. City of Orrville received $10,000. McRae Learning Center landed $15,000.

Fortier said the money comes from the educational trust fund, which Senators are allowed to spend in their district.

“We are awarding these grants to schools and organizations who are not doing the same things the same way; but instead, will think outside of the box as we build the ‘Beloved Community’,” Fortier said.

“My hope is that we will all work as a team together to improve the life of our children and our families together.”

Evans, who served as Selma Mayor from 2008 until 2016, explained the role of being a Fortier Deputy Senator.

“I’m proud of being part of this program,” Evans said. “Our role is to be a backbone for Senator Fortier and speak whenever she’s not available.”

Fortier announced that more grants will be given out later this year. The deadline to fill out an application is December 15.

“I believe that means building the ‘Beloved Community,’ which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of as he laid out a vision for the future of our state,” Fortier said.

Fortier represents Dallas County, Butler County, Conecuh County, Lowndes County, Marengo County, Monroe County, Perry County, and Wilcox County.

The daughter of former State Senator Hank Sanders, Fortier said its important giving back to the communities in her district.