Host/Presenter: Ken Whiting

Fifty Years ago this month, the Black civil rights movement celebrated one of its greatest triumphs when 25,000 peaceful protesters finally succeeded in marching into Montgomery, Alabama from the nearby city of Selma.

Two of these protesters, a white Unitarian Universalist minister Rev. James Reeb and a white woman named Viola Liuzzo were murdered during the Selma march to Montgomery, Alabama.

The attack on and death of James Reeb helped draw national attention to not only the voting rights struggle for blacks but also civil rights for blacks in general.
Viola Liuzzo, a white woman, participated in demonstrations through the streets of Detroit and on the campus of Wayne State University in a show of support for the rights of those who had been attacked.

However, as a woman who possessed strong convictions and a demonstrated willingness to take action for causes she believed in, Liuzzo was convinced that she had to actually join the fight in Selma.

Thus, Liuzzo headed south on a journey that would ultimately end in tragedy and controversy. Viola Liuzzo was the only white woman murdered during this civil rights march.

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world.

Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. Please park in the front of the building. Child care is available.