President Joe Biden will attend the 58th annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee

Published 11:55 am Tuesday, February 28, 2023

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President Joe Biden will attend the 58th annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee on Sunday, the White House confirmed Tuesday morning. Biden will speak on the Jubilee’s final day. He will be welcomed by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07).

Sewell invited Biden to visit Selma during his 2023 State of the Union Address. The visit comes after Biden granted Sewell’s request to increase the federal cost share for FEMA’s public assistance program—including funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures—from 75% to 100% following the January 12 tornado that hit Selma.

“I am thrilled that President Biden has accepted my invitation to visit Selma for the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday,” Sewell said. “As Selma continues to recover from the January 12th storms, President Biden’s presence will send a clear message that our community is not alone and shows that the federal government will continue to be a partner in rebuilding Selma and Dallas County. I look forward to welcoming the President to my hometown as we reflect on the sacrifices of the Foot Soldiers in the name of equality and justice for all.”

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Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. said he’s glad that Biden will attend the Bridge Crossing Jubilee.

“We look forward to welcoming President Biden as  well as other state and federal officials into our great City,” Biden said. “It will be a pleasure to say thank  you in person for making the decision to amend the Alabama Disaster Declaration to include  100 percent reimbursement for a 30-day period. This single decision has made a significant  difference in our beloved City recovery.

“As visitors prepare to commemorate this annual  event, we are prepared to discuss our progress and vision for Selma. Although we have a  long road to recovery, we have come back from far worse. We are Selma Strong.”