
Armed National Guard Military Police observing the Selma-to-Montgomery march through the outskirts of Montgomery on March 25, 1965. Photo by Loy Williams, courtesy of Southern Methodist University
PHOTOS: Lost images of the march from Selma, 50 years later
(RNS) These vivid photographs were captured by Southern Methodist University student Loy Williams during the Selma-to-Montgomery march on March 25, 1965, but were never published — until now.
When recalling his experience, Williams says: "We didn't know what would happen when we reached the capitol. We were singing the civil rights song, 'I Am Not Afraid,' but, yes, I was afraid."
(click on any image to begin the slideshow)
- Greyhound charter buses arrive in Montgomery, Ala., from all over the United States on March 25, 1965 during the Selma-to-Montgomery march. This bus was from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Photo by Loy Williams, courtesy of Southern Methodist University
- Marchers assembling with a military helicopter overhead on March 25, 1965 during the Selma-to-Montgomery march. Photo by Loy Williams, courtesy of Southern Methodist University
- Armed National Guard Military Police observing the Selma-to-Montgomery march through the outskirts of Montgomery on March 25, 1965. Photo by Loy Williams, courtesy of Southern Methodist University
- Children dressed in their Sunday best wave to marchers during the Selma-to-Montgomery march on March 25, 1965. Photo by Loy Williams, courtesy of Southern Methodist University
- Observers watch marchers pass by during the Selma-to-Montgomery march on March 25, 1965. Photo by Loy Williams, courtesy of Southern Methodist University
- Businessmen observe marchers pass by during the Selma-to-Montgomery march on March 25, 1965. Photo by Loy Williams, courtesy of Southern Methodist University
- Alabama State Troopers and Federalized Alabama National Guard at the Capitol Building in Montgomery during the Selma-to-Montgomery march on March 25, 1965. Photo by Loy Williams, courtesy of Southern Methodist University
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking from a sound truck in front of the Alabama capitol building in Montgomery during the Selma-to-Montgomery march on March 25, 1965. Photo by Loy Williams, courtesy of Southern Methodist University
Comments
They’re color photographs snapped at a time when black-and-white photography was the mode. Other than that, what’s the interest here?
For those of us who held our breath and sat in front of our televisions sets praying and watching for any news of the march, these photos mean a lot. The poignant photo of the little children is especially beautiful.
What does Dallas County’s demographic implosion since 1962 mean to you?