Living Legacy Project Inc

Joanne Bland’s light stays with us — soft as a smile, fierce as a “no‑turning‑back” action, and steady as the Alabama sun. Growing up in Selma, she met injustice with fearless resolve, joining the Civil Rights Movement and the historic 1965 marches that reshaped this nation. By age eleven, she had already been arrested many times, her courage far beyond her years.

Her activism only deepened, becoming a lifetime of teaching, guiding, and stirring the conscience of all she met. I cherished her as a sister‑friend whose sparkle touched everyone. More than a movement icon, Joanne was family — a beloved sister, auntie, and friend who enveloped generations in love. Always, she urged young people to trust themselves and trust justice.

Joanne’s devotion to Selma ran deep, rooted like the ancient trees that we encounter along the Alabama River. Now we each hold the symbolic rock she placed in our hands—a reminder of the work she entrusted to us and the justice still waiting for our steady, courageous actions. May we move forward in her memory with lifted hearts, knowing the hope she carried will continue to rise in each of us.

- Dr. Janice Marie Johnson
LLP Board Member

Our hearts are heavy today as we remember a dear friend of the Living Legacy Project, Joanne Bland. Our relationship with the Selma community and Joanne Bland and her family has been deep and rich. Many of you who have journeyed with us and have been fortunate to hear her story first-hand.

Here are more reflections from the founder of the LLP, Gordon Gibson:

“Joanne Bland, whose death was just announced, has been a part of our Civil Rights Pilgrimages for 20 years. Even before we organized as the Living Legacy Project this shero was a major educator for people who traveled with us. Her no-nonsense presentation of her personal experience of the Selma events was unforgettable. For many of us on the LLP team she also became a friend, giving warm hugs whenever and wherever our paths crossed. May she rest in peace and in power.”

-Rev. Gordon Gibson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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

Today we honor the Maya Lin Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, AL—a powerful, flowing tribute to the 40 who lost their lives in the struggle.

3rd photo: an LLP pilgrimage group from Nov. 2024

Highlighting the often-overlooked women behind the movements. A must-read for understanding legacy through a maternal lens.

Welcome to Black History Month. This month, we honor the resilience, brilliance, and legacy of Black Americans past and present. Join us in learning, reflecting, and celebrating.

On January 3rd 1966, the 21-year-old civil and voting rights activist was in his hometown assisting 40 black residents in becoming registered voters. That evening he was murder by Marvin Sergest for trying to desegregate a ‘whites only’ restroom.

Younge was a political science student at Tuskegee Institute and was enlisted in the United States Navy and served 2 years before being medically discharged.

We remember you and we thank you for your contribution to change

From the Living Legacy Project, we wish everyone a Happy New Year ! We hope that it is full of growth, knowledge and prosperity.

Artist Credit : Wadsworth Jarrell. Revolutionary 1972

A portrait of Angela Davis; The civil rights activist and writer. This was a testament to her leadership in the fight for racial, gender and economic justice.

The night of Rosa Parks’ arrest on December 1, 1955 on a Montgomery City Bus for refusing to move from her seat – Jo Ann Robinson, the then president of the Women Political Council (WPC), saw the opportunity to pressure the city of Montgomery, as she had done for years prior, to end bus segregation. As a civil rights organizer, Rosa Parks, through her act of resistance that night, activated a movement that had been brewing for years against the public transportation system of Montgomery. So, that same night, Jo Ann Robinson, using a mimeograph machine with the help of the chairman of the Alabama State College business department, John Cannon and two other students, printed over 35,000 leaflets to distribute to Black residents of Montgomery to attend a mass meeting on Monday, December 5, 1955. This day was designed to be a one-day citywide bus boycott. Black residents went on the boycott the city buses for the next 381 days.

Today marks its 70th Anniversary of its beginning.

Photo credit: Unknown, 1955 (Montgomery, AL)

🎶 Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and justice! 🎶

The Living Legacy Project invites you to a virtual fundraiser concert on December 11th, 2025, hosted by the legendary Reggie Harris!

Featuring performances by:

✨ Pat Wictor

✨ Magpie (Greg Artzner & Terry Leonino)

✨ Kemp Harris

Come be inspired by the music of the Civil Rights Movement and support the Living Legacy Project’s mission to bring its lessons to communities today.

📅 Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

⏰ 7:00 PM EST – live on Zoom

💛 All donations support civil rights education

Register now: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/HvAH6Df-cEAOzEL3YvXG3A

Let’s lift our voices, honor the legacy, and fuel the future of justice together.

Our Director of Operations, Annette Marquis, plans to retire at the end of May 2025. Consequently, we are in search of a new part-time Executive Director.

Please share this with anyone you know who might be interested:

Nonprofit committed to dismantling racism through experiential education about the U.S. Civil Rights Movement seeks a part-time Executive Director. Responsibilities include leadership and program development, fundraising and financial management, management of online programs, organizational management, strategic communications and board relations. Requires experience in leadership, financial management, and nonprofit operations, skills
in budgeting, fundraising, technology, staff oversight, and marketing strategy. Half-time salaried position (20 hours/week), including F**A and paid time off for holidays and vacation.

Executive Director Opening Executive Director job description for the Living Legacy Project, Inc.

Join us tonight live with Reggie Harris, Melanie DeMore, Pat Wictor, Matt Watroba, Sheila Arnold, and a special surprise guest for "Harmonizing for Justice!" Visit livinglegacypilgrimage.org for more information. Spread the word!