Stories of Hope in Selma

By Evelyn Perez

As I sit here today reflecting on my experience so far in Selma, I want to share that I’ve explored and learned many life-changing stories. Every place we have visited holds very rich and valuable voices. If I’m being honest, this experience has pushed me out of my comfort zone. Leaving home and traveling with new people took courage. I’m proud of my decision to come and do SST with the Mennonite Disaster Service. As time goes on, I realize this experience is something I will carry with me forever, not just because of the places, but because of the people and friends I’ve been able to make while serving here in Selma, Alabama.

 

Selma is a beautiful city. In the short time we’ve been here, I’ve soaked in Selma’s rich history and meaningful stories. Everyone we’ve met in Selma and with MDS have been both kind, welcoming, and inspiring. Selma holds an important place in civil rights history, especially for the right to vote. Events like the Selma to Montgomery March and “Bloody Sunday,” where Civil Rights marchers were brutally attacked, are reminders of the struggle for justice and the effects are still prominent today.

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, after a very productive day working hard at our job site with our wonderful MDS crew leaders, Adam and Jonathan as well as my group Carlie, Judith, Parker, and me, we went on a tour of Selma. Our tour guide was Barbara Barge. Mrs. Barge gave us a very memorable 3 hour tour of Selma. She was one of the Foot Soldiers who participated in the movement. At the time, she was only 15 years old. Her story was a testament to bravery and determination of the people who marched on March 25th, 1965. She spoke very passionately about what it took for people of color to get the right to vote and have racial justice. One out of the many things I enjoyed about the tour was the Foot Soldiers Park and education center. The park has very beautiful murals with different powerful images. Each holds a story and powerful meaning. My favorite one was an image that showed a hand with a key chain engraved with the word “HOPE”. This one especially stood out to me. Barbara emphasized that we are the key and hope for future generations to come. We are the ones who have the power and voice to create change for the better. She expressed we must fight for what is right and to most importantly speak up for what we believe in. Each of our voices matter and are crucial to creating the change we want to see in the world. Something that Barbara Barge said in our tour was “You do what is right, and the only recognition you are going to get from doing right is that it is right, no matter what, nobody will pat you on the back and say good girl or good boy, you have to say that to yourself, I did what was right.” This to me is meaningful because it reminds me that doing the right thing isn’t about praise—it’s about integrity and staying true to your values, even when no one is watching.

-By Evelyn Perez