“Make America Great Again” Billboard Shows Image from Civil Rights Era

On March 7, 1965, protestors filled the streets of Selma, Alabama to promote black voter registration. This was the second of three marches, as part of the voting rights movement in the city, which ultimately contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, later that year. The demonstrators walked 54 miles from Selma to the Alabama state capital of Montgomery.

However, on this particular day, as the protestors crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, they were greeted by state troopers and officers from the sheriff’s department.

The officers demanded that they leave, but when the protesters refused, the police charged at them. 525 civil rights protestors were attacked and about 10-20 that were on the front line were swept to the ground. The officers fired tear gas into the crowd. Charged at the demonstrators while on horseback and beat them with their batons.

Several suffered from fractured ribs, arms and legs, multiple lacerations and bruises.

The violence was broadcasted on the news and became known as Bloody Sunday. Several images of the incident circulated across the country. 50 people were injured and 14 died, that day.

Apparently, a photo from the violent encounter has resurfaced on a giant billboard in Pearl, Mississippi, with the words “Make America Great Again,” printed across the picture.

According to reports, the picture is on a Lamar Advertising billboard, paid for by For Freedoms. Although, the display shows the words Donald Trump used to fuel his presidential campaign, the sign says it was not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

“It’s disappointing that this group would use this image as an attempt to divide the country,” Governor Phil Bryant said of the billboard, which he called “reprehensible.”

In turn, according to reports, Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers said the billboard doesn’t break any laws, so it is protected by freedom of speech.