Alabama State Troopers beat, gassed and trampled civil rights activists as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965.
Fifty years later, the Alabama State Troopers protected those who gathered at to commemorate the anniversary of that day.
President Barack Obama spoke to a crowd of thousands about the journey that was made 50 years ago across the bridge and of the progress that still needs to be made in the United States.
“We have to recognize that one day's commemoration, although special, is not enough,” Obama said. “If we've learned anything from Selma, it's that our work is never done. The American experiment in self-government gives work and purpose to each generation.”
Obama said there is still work to be done about the racial division in the nation.
“This is work for all Americans, not just some,” Obama said. “All of us will need to feel the force urgency they did. If we make such an effort, as hard as it may seem, laws can pass, consciences may be stirred.”
Lines to enter the security zone where the president spoke stretched blocks down the street.
For those who didn't make it in, they were able to see Obama on large screens that were set up.
Terri Sewell, Alabama’s first African American congresswoman, also mentioned more work in to be done political and socially in Alabama, but said Selma has been making progress throughout the years.
"My Selma was fully integrated,” Sewell said. “I was able to dream my dream because of the foot soldiers that crossed the bridge. We cannot celebrate how far we've come without acknowledging how far we still need to go."
Elisabeth Omilami, daughter of Hosea Williams who led the Bloody Sunday march across Edmund Pettus Bridge with John Lewis, said the United States is not in a post-racism era, but said the nation is working through its issues.
“I think that Hosea Williams and all the foot soldiers spilled their blood, and President Barack Obama walked through that covenant blood to get where he is today,” Omilami said. “You’ll never know (the foot soldiers’) names, but they’re the reason that (Obama) is there.”
Protestors with “stop the violence” written on signs were shouting, “We want change,” and began playing drums during the president’s speech.
Several Alabama State Troopers told the protesters to stop making noise during the president’s speech. The protesters complied.
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