Joining the Ranks: A Catholic nun and two priests stand in the rain with marathon demonstrators in Selma, Alabama. The group has remained at a police barricade two days and nights after being refused permission to march to the courthouse. From left: Reverend Clement Burns, New Haven, Connecticut; Sister Alberta, Wilmington, Delaware; and Reverend Robert McGratti, Hartford, Connecticut, March 12, 1965

1965

Joining the Ranks: A Catholic nun and two priests stand in the rain with marathon demonstrators in Selma, Alabama. The group has remained at a police barricade two days and nights after being refused permission to march to the courthouse. From left: Reverend Clement Burns, New Haven, Connecticut; Sister Alberta, Wilmington, Delaware; and Reverend Robert McGratti, Hartford, Connecticut, March 12, 1965, 1965. America. Gelatin silver print, wirephoto; image: 17.1 x 22.6 cm (6 3/4 x 8 7/8 in.); paper: 20.3 x 25.3 cm (8 x 9 15/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg 2021.31 A peaceful march seeking equal voting rights for Blacks set out from Selma toward Montgomery on March 7, 1965. They were soon attacked by state troopers with whips, nightsticks, and tear gas. Television and newspaper coverage of this brutal response inspired clergy and social activists from across the country to join another attempt to reach the state capitol. The protesters were again turned back on March 17 but completed the march on March 21-25. Clergy came from all over the country to join a voting rights march in Selma, Alabama.