John,

In early 1965, the civil rights movement faced a critical juncture. Despite the Civil Rights Act of 1964 being passed just months earlier, African Americans across the South were still being denied the fundamental right to vote. On March 7th, over 600 protestors marched peacefully across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama – where they were brutally beaten by state troopers.

Today, I’m in Selma for the 58th-anniversary commemoration of the “Bloody Sunday” attacks that galvanized the nation in the fight for racial justice. I’m joined by President Biden and other political leaders as we remember what it took for our predecessors to win the right to vote.

I’m also thinking about the legacy of my friend John Lewis, who led the march in Selma that day. It’s an incredible honor to follow in his footsteps representing the people of Georgia in Congress. I hold his memory close to my heart.

John Lewis – as well as the other leaders in the Civil Rights Movement – understood that in the face of blatant injustice, it was not enough to accept the status quo. He caused some “good trouble” by courageously standing his ground in front of the state troopers that day, sending a clear message that their beatings and tear gas were not enough to stop our movement in the fight for equality.

Unfortunately, 58 years later we are still facing attacks on the fundamental right to vote. Republicans across the country and here in Georgia are enacting strict laws under the guise of “election integrity” that in reality are just putting up more barriers to getting folks to the ballot box.

As we’re reminded of what previous generations had to go through to make their voices heard at the polls, we should all renew our resolve to fight back against these undemocratic policies.

I’m humbled to be a part of today’s Bloody Sunday commemoration, and I’ll be reflecting on what more I can do in my role in Congress to protect the rights of Georgians. I hope you’ll join me in honoring the legacies of the civil rights leaders who shed their blood to make this country a better place.

With love,

– Lucy McBath