Written: Trish B.
Just as Montgomery Alabama celebrated the Montgomery March to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the historic Selma, Stephen L. Reid, the city’s first black mayor, stood at the intersection of memory and new responsibility. Mayor Stephen L. Reed appeared as Montgomery’s first black mayor and the modern-day torchbearer, a leader whose voice resonates far beyond the boundaries of his city. Since taking office in 2019, Reid has been an advocate for racial justice, civic engagement and voices of fairness. The son of a prominent voting rights activist and a product of the complicated past of Montgomery’s past, he stands at the intersection of legacy and leadership, who resolved to advance his vision, which was first defended on the streets of Selma and Montgomery sixty years ago. On the heels of the powerful 60th anniversary of Montgomery’s march from Selma, Mayor Reed reflects the emotional weight of the moment, leadership responsibility, and a call for action that still resonates throughout the country.
We had the opportunity to talk to the mayor and here is what he had to say.
Now that the 60th anniversary of Montgomery’s march from Selma has passed, do you personally have the most emotional and reflections that stand out for you?
What surprised me the most was that we were in the struggle for the right to vote in this country. Many are now under threat for all the benefits we have done. Worse, it’s rolled back. For me, this weekend was about reconnecting with the struggle and recommending the coalition building necessary to not only protect but expand voting rights. We cannot protect the current situation. Brownv. We need a broader, more comprehensive vision based on past victory like Board, but we also tackle the setbacks we’ve seen over the past seven years. That’s the feeling that stayed with me: it’s urgent.
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What was your most powerful moment on the anniversary weekend?
march. The 28-mile journey from St. Jude to the State Capitol is sacred ground. Walking along with Jerry Levias and Martin Luther King III helped his parents lead this move – was very powerful. It reminded us of how far we have come and how far we still have to go.
What do you think the city of Montgomery has appeared to celebrate this historic heritage?
On the one hand, the city of Montgomery provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors, residents and activists who came to honor the anniversary. But I’ll be honest – we didn’t become the number we should have. Considering what was at stake at this moment for democracy, I was expecting 10,000 instead of 1,000. There is no room for self-satisfaction. Efforts to erode voting rights are underway every day, and the level of community engagement should be consistent with that threat. Participation is important. They are people who introduce shape policies, because that will affect our lives here in our city.
What message do you think this anniversary has sent to the country, especially in today’s political and social sector environment?
It should be a reminder that the fight for voting rights, and the battle for justice more broadly, is not over. We must be willing to show the same courage our ancestors did. Anyway, I stood up. So we have to do that.
Were there any intergenerational conversations or moments between the elders and young people that stood out against you during the event?
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absolutely. At St. Jude’s Church, elders, who were part of the original voting rights, saw young people standing shoulder to shoulder, taking batons. We saw people like Senator Shevlin Jones, Shomali figures and Martin Luther King III engaged to our youth. A young man named Jeremiah Torys, a senior at Booker T. Washington High School, introduced King. Personally, talking to my own father, who had a tireless fight for voting rights in Alabama and beyond, was one of those full-selling moments. That battle is mine now.
How does Montgomery see it as continuing to respect this legacy beyond anniversary and march? Are there any ongoing initiatives linked to this history?
You need to move from symbolism to substance. That means policy. State lawmakers must maintain boundaries against efforts to undermine voting access. As mayor, I will continue to use my platform and defend a fair and impartial democracy. Montgomery is not the background to civil rights history, but the birthplace of the civil rights movement. That legacy has weight and we have to match it with what we do.
As a black mayor leading such a historically important city, what responsibility do you feel in maintaining and moving forward the legacy of the civil rights movement?
That is an immeasurable responsibility. I live in the shade of a tree that I didn’t plant. This means I have to respect the sacrifices of those who couldn’t vote. I have their heritage with me every day and I work to open the door wider for those who come after me.
Do you want visitors and residents to have taken away emotionally, spiritually or socially from the 60th anniversary event?
I hope they have a deeper understanding of our history and have left a clearer sense of responsibility. This was more than just honouring the past. It was about encouraging action. We all have a role to play in ensuring that the next generation enjoys the freedom we have worked so hard to make safe.
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Are there any future plans to invest in education, community engagement, or youth leadership as a continuation of the marching spirit?
absolutely. We already work with organizations such as the Southern Youth Development Leadership Institute, NAACP Youth Council, Jack and Jill, Fraternity and Sorority to support young leaders. We don’t just teach them about history. Now I want to hear about their concerns and ideas. Their innovation and insights are key to shaping the future of governance not only in Montgomery, but across this country.
Finally, if we could say one thing to the foot soldiers and leaders who made that original journey 60 years ago, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to the foot soldiers and leaders who made that original journey 60 years ago, it would be this: Thank you. Thank you for marching when it was dangerous. To believe when hope is vulnerable. Because it stands firm when the system is built. For your courage I can serve in an office that was once unimaginable to those who looked like us. For your sacrifice, my children and children in this country have the opportunity to dream bigger, speak eloquently, and live freely. I tell them too: we have not forgotten. And we will not let your legacy be stopped in memory. We try to move it forward with the same faith, the same fire, and the same resolve that you had in your heart when you crossed that bridge.
