Organizers of the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma are going forward with this year’s event. But a lack of support from the city of Selma is forcing a few changes.
Event planners are moving musical performances following a dispute with city hall over fees. Selma Mayor Darrio Melton says the city needs nearly $24,000 to cover various city services. Organizers say they won't pay the city.
They announced yesterday that the annual weekend music festival will be held on private property instead of city streets, as in years past.
Jubilee coordinator Sam Walker said the land near the Edmund Pettus Bridge belongs to a Jubilee supporter.
The event commemorates the fight for voting rights and falls on the anniversary of the 1965 "Bloody Sunday" march in which demonstrators were badly beaten on the bridge.
Selma Mayor Darrio Melton has said the city can't afford to provide free police and cleanup services to the Jubilee for the week-long commemoration. Melton says the group would not be allowed to set up on city streets.