Written by: Trish B.
As Montgomery Alabama mentions the 60th anniversary of the historic Selma at Montgomery March, the first black mayor of the city, Steven L. Reed, stood at the intersection of memory and refreshed responsibility. Mayor Steven L. Reed has emerged as a modern -montgomery lens, the first black mayor and a leader whose voice resonates far beyond the boundaries of his city. Since his duties in 2019, Reed was a vocal supporter for racial justice, citizens’ involvement and equality. As the son of a prominent vote activist and a product of Montgomery’s complex past, he stands at the intersection of heritage and leadership, determined to convey the vision that was first intended for the streets of Selma and Montgomery six decades ago. In the heels of the strong celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Selma at Montgomery March, the Mayor Reed reflects the emotional burden of the moment, the responsibility of leadership and the appeal for action that continues to resonate throughout the nation.
We had the opportunity to talk to the mayor and here he has to say.
Now that Selma’s 60th anniversary has passed at Montgomery March, what feelings or reflections stand out more for you personally?
What hit me the most was that we were still in the struggle for voting rights in this country. For every profit we have made, many are now threatened – or worse, to go back. For me, this weekend was about reconnecting the struggle and repetition of coalition building that is required not only for protection, but for expanding voting rights. We can’t just defend the status quo. We need a wider, more comprehensive vision – one based on previous wins such as Brown V. Board, but also aimed at the failures we have seen only in the last seven years. This is the feeling left with me: an urgent need.
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What was the most powerful moment of the weekend celebration for you?
Course. This 28 -mile journey from the city of St. Judah to the State Capitol is a sacred territory. Walking along with Jerry Levias and Martin Luther King III – whose parents helped drive this movement – he was deeply strong. It reminds me how far we have come and how far we have to go.
How do you think the city of Montgomery appeared to honor this historical heritage?
On the one hand, the city of Montgomery offered a warm and hospitable atmosphere for visitors, residents and activists who came to honor this anniversary. But I’ll be honest – we didn’t prove the numbers we had to have. Given what is currently at stake for democracy, I was expecting 10,000 people – not 1,000. We cannot withstand complacency. Efforts are ongoing daily to erode voting rights and the level of community involvement should match this threat. Participation issues – because people who have a policy policy, and this affects the lives here in our city.
What message do you think this anniversary sent to the nation – especially to today’s climate of political and social division?
It should be reminded us that the struggle for voting rights – and for justice – is far from the end. We must be willing to show the same courage that our ancestors did, even when they had no black elected officials, no corporate power, no government influence. They got up anyway. So he must.
Were there conversations or moments between generations between the elders and the young people who stood out during the events?
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Absolutely. In the church of St. Judah, we saw the elders who were part of the original March voting rights who stayed shoulder to shoulder with the young people taking the bat. Seeing people like Rep. Shevrin Jones, Shomari Figures and Martin Luther King III who are moving on our youth. A young man called Jeremiah Treece, superior to Booker T. Washington High School, introduced Mr. King. Personally, speaking to my own father-he struggled tirelessly for the voting rights in Alabama and beyond-he was one of these moments of full cycle. This match is now mine.
How do you see Montgomery continuing to honor this legacy beyond simple anniversaries and marches? Are there continuing initiatives associated with this history?
We have to move on from symbolism to the essence. That means politics. State legislators must hold the line against efforts to undermine voting access. As mayor, I will continue to use my platform to support a fair, just democracy. Montgomery is not just a scene for the history of political rights – we are the birthplace of the political rights movement. This legacy is weight and we must match it with our actions.
As a black mayor who leads such a historically important city, what responsibility do you feel about maintaining and promoting the legacy of the political rights movement?
It is a huge responsibility. I live in the shadow of the trees I didn’t plan. This means that I have to honor the sacrifices of those who could not vote, much less dreaming to keep this office. I bring their legacy with me every day and work to open the doors wider for those who come after me.
What do you hope that visitors and residents came out of the events of the 60th anniversary – emotionally, spiritually or socially?
I hope they leave with a deeper understanding of our story and a clearer sense of responsibility. This was more than just honored the past – it was a call for action. We all have a role to play to ensure that the next generation enjoys the freedoms we have struggled so hard to secure.
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Are there any future plans for investing in education, community involvement, or young people’s leadership as a continuation of the spirit of the course?
Absolutely. We are already working with organizations such as the South Youth Institute of Leadership, NAACP Youth Councils, Jack and Jill, fraternities and fraternities to support new leaders. We don’t just want to teach them about the story – we want to hear their concerns and ideas now. Their innovation and insight is the key to shaping the future of governance, not only in Montgomery, but throughout the country.
Finally, if you could say one thing to the soldiers and leaders who made this original trip 60 years ago, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to the soldiers and leaders who made this original trip 60 years ago, it would be: Thank you. Thank you for the course when it was dangerous. To believe when hope was fragile. For firm firmly when the system was built to hit you down. Because of your courage, I can serve in an office that was once unthinkable for people who looked like us. Due to your sacrifice, my children – and kids across the country – have the opportunity to dream older, speak louder and live more freely. I would also say to them: We have not forgotten. And we will not let your heritage stop in memory – we will move it forward, with the same faith, the same fire and the same determination you had in your hearts when you crossed this bridge.
