Music of the Era; Police Chief Apologies about Bloody Sunday

[March 2, 2013 | Selma, AL ] Frederic Yonnet had the privilege to attend the Faith and Politics 13th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage through Alabama from March 1-3, 2013. Weekend was packed with moving moments and stops at various sites including: Alabama University’s “Stand in the School House Door, Malone-Hood Plaza, Foster Auditorium (Tuscaloosa), 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park (Birmingham/”Bombingham”); Rosa Parks Museum, MLK Parsonage, Dexter Ave Church, Civil Rights Memorial, First Baptist Church, Alabama State Capitol (Montgomery); and finally Brown Chapel enroute to the Edmund Pettus Bridge (Selma).  Recognizing the power of music throughout the movement, Yonnet performed at the Alabama Activities Center in Montgomery, and he accompanied those who felt the need to spontaneously reflect thru song.

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During the delegations visit to First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Police Chief Kevin Murphy discussed the Montgomery Police Department’s role in the Civil Rights movement.  He discussed the comparison and contrast of the MPD from the 1950’s to present day. Back then, the entire department was made up of white males. “The present day photographs show diversity… men and women, African Americans in positions of leadership, women, police officers in positions of leadership,” said Murphy. Citing their new educational and training video on how to police in a historical city, Murphy vowed, never again. “Once divided, forever united.”

Then, in n act of reconciliation, Chief Murphy removed his police badge and presented it to Congressman Lewis.  Watch the original footage that appeared on MSNBC: