FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2025
SELMA, AL – On March 9th,2025, fifteen members of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. traveled to Selma, AL in solidarity with the 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a key turning point in the Civil Rights movement. Members were able to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge and listen as Anita Jackson (co-executive director of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee), Andy Beshear (Kentucky Gov.), Marc Morial (president and CEO of National Urban League), Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures (U.S. Reps), and others spoke and reflected on the journey to combat voter suppression within the U.S.
The annual Selma Jubilee typically takes place on the first weekend of March. It has several programming events catered around education, non-profit support, civic clinics, and opportunities to learn more about the events that took place on March 7, 1965. Each year, organizers return to commemorate this historic event and inspire attendees to continue advocating for the right to vote. Many organizations prioritize participating annually, recognizing the significance of preserving this legacy. The Bridge Crossing has also drawn prominent civic leaders over the years, including Rosa Parks, Congressman John Lewis, and former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
Angelica Rivera “F” became a sister through the Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Atlanta, Georgia, in the Spring of 2024. She is a mother of twin 15 year old boys and serves as a public defender in Henry County.
“This was truly an amazing experience. The biggest moment for me was when a Latina mother who approached us brought me to tears telling us how much it meant to her to see a Latina sorority. Representation matters, and her daughters were able to see themselves in us, a group of powerful women made up of lawyers, nurses, and college graduates. All there to honor our past and fight for our future.” – Angelica Rivera
Voting Rights Today, Tomorrow, Forever
Lambda Theta Alpha hosted several programming events for members to engage and learn about Bloody Sunday. A virtual march took place with chapters across the U.S., as well as a discussion and watch party of the award-winning, “Selma” movie.
The sorority’s deep roots in political activism stem from its inception in 1975. Founded amidst political tension in the 1970s, the sorority’s Founding Mothers served as a voice for all students and members of their community. Members traveled from as far as New Jersey to march alongside other civically passionate organizations in Selma, AL. This reflects Lambda Theta Alpha’s deep commitment to prioritizing political engagement within its sisterhood. Members march among thousands, alongside members of the Divine 9, Congress members, and other civic-based organizations. Latinos in Alabama seek the representation that Lambda Theta Alpha provides. Members were inspired to continue showing support to not only the Latino community but also the fight to restore voting rights. What happened in Selma on March 7, 1965 was about denying black people the right to vote, but what that action represented was an attack on the human dignity of all people.
Virtual March Attendees In Connecticut
Echoes of Congressman John Lewis, a pioneer in the civil rights movement, were prevalent even after his passing in 2020. Bills such as H.R. 22 / Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE Act) and Lewis’ Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) are a reminder to the American people that the fight for voter rights and protection are still relevant, even after the peaceful protest of 525 members in Selma in 1965 that sent shockwaves across the country.
“The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.” – Congressman John Lewis
Lambda Theta Alpha urges both members and non-members to continue advocating for voter rights across the U.S. Take action by contacting your representatives, sharing vital information with your community, educating yourself and others, and staying informed about the decisions elected officials are making at the federal, state, and local levels.
Contact:
Sabrina-Kahokulani Sergeant, Vice President of External Affairs
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.
###
About Lambda Theta Alpha
Lambda Theta Alpha was founded at Kean University in 1975 as the first Latina sorority in the nation. The Sorority strives to develop strong leaders that produce and engage in political, social and cultural activities. Based on the principles of Unity, Love and Respect, the Sorority was established for the unification of women through charitable and educational programs. Although founded as Latin by tradition, the Sorority is inclusive to all women regardless of race, color, creed, sexual identity, gender expression, or religious beliefs.