Alabama State University News March 9, 2012 ASU Participates in Selma-to-Montgomery March Commemoration ASU students, employees and alumni were among thousands who took part in the 47th anniversary observance of the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March in downtown Montgomery on Friday morning. *** Downtown Montgomery was packed with marchers on Friday, March 9, as thousands gathered to take part in the 47th anniversary of the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March. Students from Alabama State University, Tuskegee University and elementary schools in Macon County gathered at ASU's Lockhart Gymnasium around 9:30 a.m., before marching to the Alabama State Capitol building for a rally. Sidney Lacey, an ASU student, helped energize the crowd before the march. He said he is proud of the legacy passed down by those who spoke out for in the past for civil rights. He encouraged attendees to let their voices be heard. "Get involved, ask questions, find out about the issues; they affect us all," Lacey said. "Let others hear your voice. Our opinions do matter. Don't let anyone take your voice from you." Dr. Howard Robinson, historian and ASU archivist, said ASU is at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. "Not only did this University play a role in the modern Civil Rights Movement; not only did this University and the students, faculty and staff of this University participate in major civil rights episodes, but it also produced many of its leaders," Robinson said. Civil rights icon the Rev. Richard Boone also spoke at the rally. Boone was a field director for the SCLC and was responsible for rallying students from ASU. More than 1,000 students marched with Boone and joined the Selma-to-Montgomery marchers at the Alabama State Capitol building 47 years ago. Boone said marching today is still relevant. "You are signing your vote," he said. Boone also introduced the students to a song marchers sang during the '60s. "We sent out a call all across the land," Boone said. "And the call consisted of a few words - 'Head the call. Americans are side by equal side. Brothers sit in dignity. Sisters sit in pride.'" 'We Are the Dream of Martin L. King' Following the rally, the enthusiastic crowd of more than 1,000 students from ASU and Tuskegee lined up to make the walk to the Alabama State Capitol building. ASU's executive vice president and chief operating officer, Dr. John Knight, and Alabama State Rep. Thad McClammy joined Boone in leading the march as the students sang spirituals and chanted, "We are the dream of Martin L. King!" Upon their arrival at the state capitol, the students joined the even larger crowd of marchers and protesters from all over the state to listen to speakers address the pressing issues of today's society, including immigration, education, voting rights and the economy. Prominent guests included the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Robert and Mrs. Jean Graetz, former Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford and actor/singer, Tyrese. Ryan Sellers, a sophomore communications major, was excited to walk in the footsteps of activists from the Civil Rights Movement. "It's awesome; I can't explain the feeling that I have right now," Sellers said. "I feel that we are living history right now, history is being made in front of my face, and I'm happy to be here." Foluso Oluade, a sophomore English major with a minor in African-American studies, also expressed her pride in participating in the march. "It was tremendous," Oluade said. "I felt that I was a part of something really big and other students around me felt that they were participating in something big. We felt like we mattered. It was amazing to see all the people come together." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.