Bending the Arc Project

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of civil rights icon Ms. Jo Ann Bland, founder of Foot Soldiers Park in Selma, Alabama, who touched countless lives with her wisdom and passion for social justice. We will never forget our wonderful Selma interviews with Ms. Bland and her sister, Dr. Lynda Lowery, who passed away just a few weeks ago. The passing of these two extraordinary sisters is a profound loss to everyone who knew them.

As a child, Ms. Bland was an active participant in the Selma voting rights marches of 1965, including Bloody Sunday and Turnaround Tuesday; she was the youngest person jailed during any civil rights demonstration during that period.

Official Statement from the Family of Ms. Joanne Bland:

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Ms. Joanne Bland announces her passing. Ms. Bland departed this life surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, grace, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Ms. Bland was a woman of remarkable character whose presence touched countless lives. Her kindness, wisdom, and enduring spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a pillar of faith, resilience, and compassion, and her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

During this difficult time, the family respectfully asks for privacy as they grieve and make arrangements to celebrate her life. Details regarding memorial services and funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date.

The family extends their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from friends, colleagues, and the community.

With heartfelt appreciation,
The Family of Ms. Joanne Bland

🔗 https://bendingthearcproject.com/articles/feature-stories/kids-in-birmingham-1963-working-together-for-change/
🔗 https://bendingthearcproject.com/voices/ann-jimerson/
Read the latest feature story and listen to Ann Jimerson’s interview in collaboration with Kids in Birmingham 1963. Ann Jimerson, daughter of civil rights advocate Jim Jimerson, moved to Birmingham when her family followed her father’s work in race relations during the turbulent 1960s. Years later, she founded Kids in Birmingham 1963 (tagged on social) to connect Black and white people who grew up under segregation. The group now meets regularly and supports racial justice work.

The Bending the Arc Project team is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of civil rights icon Dr. Lynda Lowery, Selma foot soldier, author, educator, and mental health professional.

At just 14 years old, Dr. Lowery marched for justice, was jailed nine times, and was brutally beaten on Bloody Sunday in 1965. She tells her story in her memoir, Turning 15 on the Way to Freedom, and she appears in several Bending the Arc films.

We were privileged to get to know Dr. Lowery through interviews and other events and conversations over many years; she was a cherished friend and a truly beautiful human being, and we will all miss her very much. From the press release announcing her passing: "Dr. Lowery's life was marked by faith, courage, humility, and unwavering commitment to truth. She was not only a foot soldier—she was a teacher, healer, mother, sister, and legend."

We extend our deepest sympathy and love to her sister Jo Ann Bland and to all of her family and friends.

🔗 https://bendingthearcproject.com/voices/ann-beard-grundy/

When Ann Beard Grundy was four years old, her father, who was pastor of the 16th Street Baptist Church, was thrown in jail because he defied Bull Connor. In two clips from a recent interview, Ann talks about that incident and about the Black radio stations that broadcast some of her father’s sermons. Like her father, Kids in Birmingham 1963’s member, Ann Beard Grundy, talks about her experiences to encourage engagement in social justice initiatives today.

🔗https://bendingthearcproject.com/voices/deborah-miller-smith-harris/

Though her family tried to shield her from the turmoil, Deborah Miller Harris could not escape the sound of the nearby explosion when the 16th Street Baptist Church was bombed on September 15, 1963. Today, Deborah reflects on those memories to share enduring lessons about the strength that comes from communities standing together. Listen to her full interview.

🔗https://bendingthearcproject.com/voices/elizabeth-macqueen/

Elizabeth MacQueen is the sculptor of the “Four Spirits” monument honoring the four young women who were killed in 1963 when Ku Klux Klan members bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church. Elizabeth shares what it was like for her growing up in Birmingham and what inspired her to create the sculpture 50 years later in 2013. Listen to her full interview.

On the 62nd anniversary of the September 15, 1963 church bombing, Bending the Arc Project and Kids in Birmingham 1963 present the second installment in our monthly interview series. Dale Long shares his personal memories of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, a pivotal and tragic moment in American history. Link to interview in comments.