Baton Rouge Pastor, Community Mark 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Urge NO Vote on Amendments

BATON ROUGE — On a bright Saturday morning, Baton Rouge residents, clergy, and activists gathered at Wesley United Methodist Church for a powerful march to the State Capitol to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. The march, a tribute to the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march that brought national attention to the civil rights struggle, was not only a solemn remembrance of the past but also a resounding call to action to address issues on the upcoming March 29th ballot that could profoundly impact Louisiana's future.

Honoring the Past, Confronting the Future
The day began with a service at Wesley United Methodist Church, where Reverend J.C. Richardson and other local faith leaders reflected on the historic significance of Bloody Sunday. This pivotal day in the Civil Rights Movement saw thousands of protesters, including the late Congressman John Lewis, risk their lives while marching for voting rights and equality in Selma, Alabama. The marchers of Baton Rouge, representing various faiths and walks of life, knew that their journey was not only about honoring those brave leaders but also about pushing forward the fight for justice today.

After the service, the group of marchers, who carried signs bearing slogans like “Justice Now” and “Your Vote Matters,” made their way through downtown Baton Rouge to the steps of the State Capitol. The march symbolized the continuing struggle for justice, reminding both the citizens and elected officials that the fight for equality is ongoing.

A Call for Accountability
As the marchers gathered at the Capitol, Reverend J.C. Richardson took the microphone to speak directly to the crowd and Louisiana's lawmakers. His message was clear: “We are here to remind our leaders that they are servants of the people, and the outcome of the upcoming vote matters to all of us.”

Richardson's words were pointed and focused on four specific constitutional amendments on the March 29th ballot. The amendments, passed through the legislature during a tax session, are being scrutinized by local leaders and activists who fear their implications for Louisiana’s residents. "This is our Selma moment," Richardson proclaimed. "This is a defining moment where we, as a people, must make our voices heard."

The Amendments: A Call for Action
The most concerning of the proposed amendments, according to Richardson and other community leaders, is Amendment Three, which gives the legislature more latitude to charge juveniles as adults in criminal cases. “They are asking for more power to determine what laws young people will be charged with,” Richardson said. “And not only that—they are pushing to place these young people in adult prisons. This is an injustice.”

Richardson and other community leaders are urging Baton Rouge residents to vote NO on Amendment Three, expressing concern that it could disproportionately affect Black and low-income youth, leading to harsh and irreversible consequences.

Another amendment, Amendment One, would allow the legislature to create specialized trial courts, while Amendment Two addresses changes to income tax rates and deductions. Both amendments have sparked concern that they could create unfair disparities, particularly among the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Amendment Four, which mandates the earliest election dates for filing judicial vacancies, was also discussed, with critics fearing it could politicize the judicial system.

“We need to be vigilant and aware of what these amendments mean for us,” said Richardson. “This vote will impact us, our children, and our future. It is crucial that we, as a community, stay informed and make our voices heard on March 29th.”

Mobilizing for Change
As the march concluded, Richardson and other leaders encouraged attendees to channel the spirit of activism from the past into present-day action. "We need to motivate, and from that motivation, we need to tap into the spirit of the past," said Richardson. "The fight for justice is not over. We need to bring forward that spirit to motivate us to take action and activate the change we want to see in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and beyond."

Marchers, energized by the day’s events, vowed to stay engaged in the political process and ensure that their voices would not be silenced. "This is our time," said one marcher. "We are not just walking for the past—we are walking for the future."

The march was not only a commemoration of a pivotal moment in history but also a reminder that the struggles of the civil rights movement are ongoing. Baton Rouge’s residents left the Capitol steps with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their activism and votes on March 29th will shape the state’s future.

Reaffirming the Legacy
As they dispersed, the marchers carried with them the lessons learned from past struggles and the determination to ensure a more just and equitable Louisiana for future generations. Reverend Richardson’s closing words resonated deeply with the crowd: “Our leaders must remember that they are here to serve us. We will continue to stand up, speak out, and fight for the rights we deserve.”

The Baton Rouge march for Bloody Sunday’s 60th anniversary proved that the struggle for justice is far from over. It also reminded everyone that civic engagement and participation in the political process are essential to upholding the hard-won gains of the civil rights movement.