About Us
Following in the steps of giants
Foot Soldiers Park exists to fuel the civil rights movement of the past, present and future as a means to achieve racial justice, economic prosperity and liberty for all.
Selma
A legacy of triumphs and unresolved challenges
Despite its historical significance in shaping the very fabric of this country, Selma is still struggling to overcome generations of institutional racism and overall neglect:
- 84%of Selma is Black American
- 41%of residents live in poverty
- 30%are suffering from food insecurity
- 27kis the average income in the city
Building a bridge between Selma’s historic activism and the ongoing fight for freedom
Our mission
Foot Soldiers Park is on a mission to preserve the Civil Rights history of Selma, create opportunities for the Black community to heal, learn and build wealth, and to embolden youth to claim and use their power for change.
Our vision
We envision Selma as a bridge to legacy, liberation and life full of wealth and opportunities.
Our values
As a community-driven organization, we believe that positive change happens only when you harness the strength and unique value that everyone brings to the table. This philosophy serves as the bedrock for our core values which guide our work, shape our goals, and ultimately, drive our impact.
- Justice: We are committed to justice, equality, and human rights , reflecting the values of the civil rights movement in all aspects of our work.
- Legacy: We take pride in and honor the legacy of those who fought for civil rights and justice by preserving the history and advocating for positive change in our community and society. We center youth as the leaders of the Civil Rights movement of today and tomorrow.
- Healing: As multigenerational participants in the Civil Rights movement, we seek to overcome trauma by focusing on the social, cultural, environmental, economic and spiritual wellbeing of our residents and community.
- Liberation: Every member in our community deserves to reach its full potential and live a healthy, safe and prosperous life free from any forms of oppression and injustice.
- Education: We embrace knowledge, data and learning as a powerful tool for progress, unity and self determination.
- Storytelling: We honor the legacy of those who fought for civil rights by preserving history and advocating for positive change in our community and society at large. Transferring knowledge is where we sustain and preserve our truth and lived experiences.
- Creativity: As activists, we find wealth in our Black experience, strength in every story of resilience, and use imagination to create the boundless beauty of our new reality.
- Community: We strive to build, support and nurture a deep sense of belonging by leading with empathy, respect, belonging and inclusivity. We know the most meaningful solutions live within our community.
Our Approach
Valuing the collective wisdom of the community
Our commitment to community engagement is at the core of everything we do. As part of that commitment, we bring together our community and facilitate visioning sessions where Selma residents share their aspirations, insights, and desires for our programs. As a community-driven organization, our approach is not to impose solutions, but to co-create them and genuinely respond to the needs of the community by:
- Practicing active listening and learning
- Intentionally nurturing and creating conditions for youth leadership
- Consistently preserving the history
- Actively participating in building civic infrastructure and economic empowerment
When people hear ‘Foot Soldiers Park’, I want them to think about liberation and joy.
Donovan Duncan, FSP Board Chair
Our supporters fuel our mission
Find out what they’re saying about Foot Soldiers Park.
Every time I get in the room with Miss Jo Ann Bland or any of the other foot soldiers, and they are reflecting on their lived experiences, my mind is blown, and my heart is just bursting with gratitude.
Jha’D Amazi,
MASS Design Group
This project has a real opportunity to just be catalysts that can start revitalizing this neighborhood and really tell the rich history of this incredibly important space of the country’s history.
Bethel Abate,
MASS Design Group
What excites me is like the potential for the impact we have on people and seeing it built from the ground up. I’m excited about what it will be over the years.
Kennedy Smitherman,
FSP Staff
Nike
President, Urban Strategies Inc.
We are the only organization that was built through and by the Civil Rights Movement, and (we have) an incredible role to play for this nation.
Stephen Ham,
FSP Board Member
Our growing list of partners
Working together can lead to a bigger impact. We are excited about our expanding network of community members and partners who continue to contribute a wealth of knowledge and resources.
