Honoring one man’s contributions to nonviolence that have shaped the world’s understanding.

Selma, Alabama—  This past week, the Institute for Community Leadership’s board member, David Gaines, was in Selma, Alabama, where we collaborate with a dynamic cohort of youth warriors for justice and democracy, sponsored by the Honorable Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07).  Our team worked to increase the Selma cohort by visiting five area middle and high schools. A highlight of the work in Selma, we also had the honor of representing Congresswoman Terri Swell at the first annual Revered Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. Day.

8th grader Kennedi Rackley of William R. Martin Middle School read a passage from Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s Congressional Record honoring Dr. Lafayette’s life and achievements. “Dr. Lafayette’s contributions to the study and practice of nonviolence have shaped the world’s understanding of the role of nonviolence in our world. His work exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader,” said board member David Gaines.

We are grateful to Congresswoman Sewell and the City of Selma for welcoming our staff and young people as part of the inter-generational fabric and living history of civil rights and civic engagement.

Two students at Selma High School about the opportunity to participate in Leadership Alabama 07
Photo with the Principal of Selma High School Stoney Pritchett, and Byron Evans of Congresswoman Sewell’s Selma District office after a successful meeting discussing nominating students to the Freedom Center.
Mikayah presented the Mayor of Selma with our recipe book. A token of friendship and a continued partnership with Leadership Alabama 07
ICL Board Member David Gaines and students Kennedi Rackley and Mikiyah Washington with Rev Dr. Bernard Lafayette and his wife, Kate (left to right) share a moment at the first-ever Bernard Lafayette Jr Day Banquet, Selma.
8th grader Kennedi Rackley of William R. Martin Middle School read a passage from Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s Congressional Record honoring Dr. Lafayette’s life and achievements

Video can also be seen here on our You Tube channel