March 2016 is the 51st anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, which saw both Bloody Sunday and the introduction of the Voting Rights Act, later signed by President Johnson. Our display about the marches can be found in the Gustavus Library Associates Reading Room, next to the eclassroom on the main floor. The display incorporates a variety of sources, including books, a government document and magazine articles published during March 1965. The diversity of sources reminds us to delve deeply into numerous places to better understand an event.
As we prepare for a big election cycle this year, the display also reminds us of the importance of voting – and how it has been a struggle to make sure every citizen can exercise her or his right to vote.