Exclusive: NAACP Leader Explains Why We’re Returning to Selma This Saturday

Black Americans are mobilizing in Alabama for what organizers say could become one of the South’s largest voting rights demonstrations since the Civil Rights Movement. The “All Roads Lead to the South” National Day of Action is set for Saturday (May 16) in Montgomery, where activists, clergy members and community leaders are expected to rally around protecting Black voting power.

While participants are gearing up to demonstrate their First Amendment rights, The Root spoke with Wisdom Cole, the Senior National Director of Advocacy for the NAACP, who shared what Black Americans should keep in mind as they prepare to take to the streets.

“Black folks from across the country are gonna be busing in, flying in, to show up and to really begin organizing to turn out in the November election,” Cole told us in an exclusive interview. “This is such an important moment to activate all of us.”

Many Black Americans decided to step back from the frontlines following the election of President Donald Trump in 2024. Now, however, there seems to be an increased call for Black community members to rally following the recent blow handed down by the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling to gut the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Cole said now is the time for Americans to make their frustrations with the court and the government known.

“It’s been very difficult, but we can’t be scared,” he told us. “This is a moment in time where we have to be able to show up and show the power that is within the people who are most impacted.”

Why the National Day of Action?

Following national protests in response to controversial policies by the Trump administration, Cole said this National Day of Action has the potential to spark change across the nation. He pointed to past demonstrations, including the 2020 Black Lives Matter Movement and the Civil Rights Movement, which defined federal legislation and addressed the needs of minority communities.

“When we think about the 1960s and them marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge [in Selma, Ala.], we had our leaders and our ancestors who knew that it was important to be able to demonstrate how we, too, are American,” Cole said. “This important moment is also going to show that we deserve representation and deserve our rights.”

On the backdrop of the Montgomery bus boycott and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, the Saturday mobilization makes it clear that “all roads lead to the South.” Because of this, Cole noted that protesting is about more than just making noise on one day.

“We’ve seen it time and time again when we are using protests as a language to stop business as usual,” he said. After Saturday’s events, Cole said Americans should head straight to the voting booth for the upcoming midterm elections.

How to Keep Yourself Safe While You Protest

Ahead of Saturday’s events in Alabama, the NAACP leader outlined steps that all protesters, but Black folks in particular, should take before traveling to Montgomery.

“Don’t go alone,” he began, stressing the importance of staying with a group. Cole pointed to many organizations and groups that are gathering support and funding for Saturday’s demonstration. Even if you don’t have someone to go with, getting involved with an organization like the Legal Defense Fund or ACLU Alabama can help ensure your safety.

Cole also stressed the importance of remaining alert while on the ground.

“Make sure that you are aware of the surroundings, use different apps like Signal to make sure you are sending protected text messages and voice messages,” Cole suggested. “Make sure that you are backing up your data. Make sure that you know the appropriate numbers to call in case you do get arrested.”

The NAACP leader also suggested following safety and legal guidelines. “There are going to be marshals on the ground that are going to be directing protesters and folks who intend to really be a part of the clearly instructed and directed action,” he explained.

The National Day of Action for Voting Rights is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. CT on Saturday at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma for prayer. At 1:00 p.m., a national rally will take place in Montgomery. Dr. Bernice King and other civil rights leaders are expected to attend.