On what date did the Selma voting rights march occur in 1965?

• A. March 21
• B. March 15
• C. March 7
• D. April 4

Answer: (C)

The date in question refers to the start of the famous Selma to Montgomery marches, specifically the first attempt on March 7, 1965. About 600 protesters tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma toward Montgomery, but they were blocked by state troopers and local police. The violent clashes, captured on television and broadcast nationwide, drew massive public sympathy for the civil rights cause and helped spur federal action. That day is commonly remembered as Bloody Sunday and is why March 7 is the best answer. The later march on March 21 completed the journey to Montgomery under federal protection, but the event that sparked the nationwide push began on March 7.