The Selma March: A Historic Struggle for Voting Rights

The Goal of the Selma March

The 1965 march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama was part of the Civil Rights movement taking place in America during the 1950s and 1960s. Alabama was one of the most segregated states, trying to prevent black persons from gaining equal rights with white persons.

The march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery was aimed at promoting registration of black voters. The march was met with much violence from opponents of civil rights for blacks, but the marchers persisted -- with some protection from federalized National Guard troops -- and brought much attention to the cause of blacks seeking voting rights in the South.

What was the goal of the Selma March?

The goal of the Selma March was to allow African Americans the right to vote, particularly in the state of Alabama, where segregation and suppression of black voters were prominent issues.