Jo Ann Bland Day: Selma Honors a Civil Rights Hero

Foot Soldiers Park proudly hosted Jo Ann Bland Day — a celebration of the life, legacy, and lasting impact of our co-founder and civil rights leader Jo Ann Bland. Guests included Mayor Johnny Moss III, City Council President Kennard Randolph, Councilwoman Jannie Thomas, representatives from the National Park Service, foot soldiers and community members who gathered to honor Ms. Bland’s contributions to Selma and beyond. 

After Ms. Bland passed earlier this year, Selma’s City Council approved a resolution declaring July 29th—what would have been her 73rd birthday this year—Jo Ann Bland Day.

“[Ms. Bland’s] life embodied courage, resilience, humility, truth and love, and her legacy has transformed Selma into a sacred place of reflection, pilgrimage, and renewed commitment to justice,” said Mayor Moss. “I, Mayor Johnny Moss, III, do hereby proclaim July 29, 2026 as Jo Ann Blackmon Bland Day in Selma. We further commit ourselves to carrying forward her vision — and preserving our history, protecting the right to vote, and ‘Marching Ever Forward’ toward justice.”

Councilwoman Jannie Thomas was presented with the first-ever Jo Ann Bland Award. During her remarks, she shared her deep appreciation for Ms. Bland, reflecting on the many times Ms. Bland and Foot Soldiers Park provided her with space for her Clean Up Selma Conference. Her words were filled with gratitude and respect for the incredible work Foot Soldiers Park continues to do throughout the community, encouraging the organization to keep moving forward in the footsteps of Ms. Bland.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Jo Ann Bland’s mural. As the covering came down, smiles filled the room, creating a heartfelt and unforgettable moment. Renowned mural artist Cbabi Bayoc and his wife, Amber Howlett Bayoc, shared how much Foot Soldiers Park and Ms. Bland meant to them personally. Their dedication was evident as Cbabi traveled nine hours to Selma to complete the mural. Beginning work on Monday, he finished the piece by Wednesday, just in time for the unveiling ceremony. Their commitment reflected the connection and admiration so many people continue to have for Jo Ann Bland and the mission of Foot Soldiers Park.

Although Ms. Bland is deeply missed, the celebration was a powerful reminder that her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her and the generations who will learn from her story.

“Jo Ann Bland Day is not just a day to say her name. It is a day to remember what she stood for and to recommit ourselves to the work she gave so much of her life to. Foot Soldiers Park exists because we believe, as she believed, that Selma’s story still has the power to teach, to heal, to challenge, and to move people to action. Now we must carry her legacy as a community.”

The Jo Ann Bland Day was a testament to the enduring community she helped build, a community of leaders and activists who will continue to honor her vision through service, education, and preservation of our civil rights history.

Explore the media coverage of the event in the links below:

• Alabama Political Reporter: Selma marks first Jo Ann Bland Day with mural and community tribute
• Black Belt News Network: Foot Soldiers Park celebrates first Jo Ann Bland Day
• WSFA 12: Selma celebrates first official Jo Ann Bland Day with mural, tours and community remembrance
• The Selma Times Journal: Foot Soldiers Park to celebrate inaugural Jo Ann Bland Day