Remembering Jo Ann Bland: A Legacy of Courage and Advocacy

Jo Ann Bland, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and a participant in the historic "Bloody Sunday" protest, passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 72 due to lung cancer. Her death comes just days before the 61st anniversary of the march she participated in on March 7, 1965, which was a pivotal moment in the struggle for voting rights in the United States.

New York Times

On Bloody Sunday, Bland, then just 11 years old, marched alongside approximately 600 protesters across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The peaceful demonstration was violently confronted by state troopers, an event that shocked the nation and contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Bland's sister, Lynda Blackmon Lowery, who also participated in the march, passed away in December 2025.

New York TimesWSFA - Montgomery

Throughout her life, Bland transformed her experience as a child marcher into a lifelong commitment to civil rights advocacy. She served as the director of the National Voting Rights Museum in Selma, where she worked to educate the public about the civil rights movement and preserve its history. Bland also founded Foot Soldiers Park, a space designed to honor the legacy of those who fought for voting rights and to provide educational opportunities for young people, particularly from marginalized communities.

WSFA - Montgomery

Faya Turay, a founder of the National Voting Rights Museum, praised Bland's vision and dedication, stating, “Joanne’s greatest contribution was planting that seed so young people... would have a real opportunity to fulfill their dreams.”

WSFA - Montgomery

Numerous officials and community members expressed their sorrow over Bland's passing. U.S. Representative Terri Sewell described her as a "freedom fighter" and emphasized her role in preserving the history of the civil rights movement. Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III noted that Bland was not only a witness to history but also a shaper of it, highlighting her contributions to the National Voting Rights Museum and Foot Soldiers Park.

Selma and the nation remember Joanne Bland, civil rights leader who died Thursday

As Selma prepares for its annual Jubilee weekend, which commemorates Bloody Sunday, there is a growing concern that younger generations may not fully grasp the sacrifices made for voting rights. Turay emphasized the importance of institutions like the museum in keeping Bland's legacy alive, urging community members to support these efforts.

WSFA - Montgomery

• “It was Foot Soldiers like JoAnne who put their lives and freedom on the line for the right of all Americans to vote,” — U.S. Representative Terri Sewell

Selma and the nation remember Joanne Bland, civil rights leader who died Thursday

• “Jo Ann Bland marched so America could move forward. Selma will never forget her footsteps. And we will continue marching ever forward in her honor,” — Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III

Selma and the nation remember Joanne Bland, civil rights leader who died Thursday

• “She was a walking talking history book and I was happy to have sat in the company of such a giant,” — Former City Councilwoman Angela Benjamin

Selma and the nation remember Joanne Bland, civil rights leader who died Thursday

In the wake of Bland's death, several events are scheduled from March 5 to March 8, 2026, to honor her legacy and the ongoing fight for voting rights. These events will serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving history and advocating for civil rights, ensuring that Bland's contributions are not forgotten.

WSFA - Montgomery