'Walking in solidarity': This Side of the Bridge marchers urge to keep fighting

Yahoo! News - Mar 24th, 2025

The 'This Side of the Bridge March' in Montgomery commemorated the historic Selma to Montgomery March, with participants stressing the need to continue the fight for civil rights. Frederick Graham, who witnessed the original march as a child, expressed concern over today's complacency, emphasizing the need for ongoing activism. Acquanetta Poole, marching with her family, highlighted the perceived erosion of rights since 1965. The three-mile march from St. Jude Catholic Church to the Alabama Capitol saw involvement from organizations like GirlTREK, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and activism.

The march underscored the significance of voting and civic engagement, with Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed urging against complacency in the face of current political challenges. He noted the low voter turnout among Black voters in recent elections as a critical area of concern. The event served as a call to action to uphold the legacy of the civil rights movement, ensuring that its impact remains substantial and not merely symbolic, motivating future generations to continue the struggle for equality and justice.

Civil Rights Activism Montgomery Selma To Montgomery March Frederick Graham Acquanetta Poole Black Voters Matter Girl Trek Steven Reed Voter Turnout

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively captures the significance of the This Side of the Bridge March, providing a meaningful reflection on the historical and contemporary aspects of civil rights activism. It is well-timed and relevant, engaging readers with personal stories and direct quotes from participants. While the article is generally accurate, some claims require further verification, particularly those related to voter turnout statistics and historical comparisons of voting rights. The article could benefit from a broader range of authoritative sources and greater transparency in its presentation of facts. Despite these areas for improvement, the article succeeds in highlighting important societal issues and encouraging public engagement with the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Accuracy

The article is generally accurate in its presentation of the commemorative march and the sentiments expressed by participants. However, several claims require verification, such as Frederick Graham's personal account of witnessing the original Selma to Montgomery March, which would need confirmation of his age and presence at the time. Additionally, the statement by Acquanetta Poole about having fewer rights now than in 1965 is subjective and would benefit from a factual comparison of voting rights legislation then and now. Voter turnout statistics cited by Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed also need to be cross-verified with official data to ensure precision.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the commemorative march by including perspectives from various participants, such as Frederick Graham, Acquanetta Poole, and Tara Campbell. It captures the sentiments of both historical reflection and present-day activism. However, while it highlights the ongoing challenges in civil rights, it could have included more diverse viewpoints, such as those from political figures or historians, to provide a fuller picture of the current state of civil rights in the U.S.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow from the historical context to the present-day event. The language is accessible, and the quotes from participants are well-integrated into the narrative. The tone is neutral, allowing the voices of the marchers to convey the emotional and historical significance of the event. However, the article could benefit from clearer explanations of complex issues, such as the current state of voting rights.

Source quality

The sources in the article are primarily individuals directly involved in the commemorative march, such as participants and local officials. While these sources provide firsthand accounts and insights, the article could have been strengthened by including expert analysis or historical context from scholars or civil rights historians. The reliance on direct quotes from participants adds authenticity, but a broader range of authoritative sources would enhance the article's depth and reliability.

Transparency

The article provides some context for the commemorative march and the historical significance of the Selma to Montgomery March. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology behind the voter turnout statistics and does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Greater transparency about the sources of factual claims and the basis for participant statements would improve the article's credibility.