MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Today, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) celebrates the removal of a political billboard featuring the iconic Spider Martin photo capturing the 1965 demonstration in Selma known as Bloody Sunday. The words “Make America Great Again” were emblazoned across the image, aiming to comment on the current political climate by drawing parallels to the blatant violence of the Jim Crow South.
“We can never afford to empower or embolden bad actors to cause harm and trample the rights and freedoms of marginalized groups,” said Tafeni English-Relf, director of the SPLC’s Alabama State Office. “The original billboard featuring Spider Martin’s vivid image of the historic Selma to Montgomery March was created nine years ago, erected in Pearl, Miss., continues to spark conversation. Now, the discussion has shifted from a historical and political one to a debate over intentionality. No one wants that. This recent billboard may have been well-intentioned, but meaningful conversations about race, injustice and the ongoing fight for civil rights cannot be left to inference alone.
“The SPLC echoes Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed’s sentiments and supports his decision to remove the billboard. Art should challenge and inspire, but context also matters. The events of Bloody Sunday changed the course of American history for the better. However, the inscribed political slogan aims to not only undo the progress Black Americans marched and died for, but disrespects John Lewis’ legacy and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. We must actively protect Alabama’s rich history and be more cognizant about the conversations and images we raise around race,” concluded English-Relf.
###
About the Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.