The Montgomery-based Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) came out against the controversial billboard, which featured a scene from the infamous Selma Bloody Sunday with the slogan "Make America Great Again" pasted over the image.
The photo appeared on at least one billboard observed by 1819 News, but other reports state identical billboards are scattered throughout the county, all featuring the name of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) pasted at the bottom.
The boards feature a massive "Make America Great Again" over a famous picture of Alabama state troopers confronting the late civil rights leaders John Lewis and Hosea Williams during the March 7, 1965, Selma to Montgomery march. The march came weeks after a voting rights protest where a young black man was beaten to death by police. Over 600 people set off from Brown Chapel AME Church, eventually finding a wall of state troopers and sheriff's deputies.
The MMFA board quickly called an emergency meeting, reportedly removing the billboards and hiring an interim director. However, the company also claimed the board did not approve them at all.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed denounced the billboards days later, saying he believed the modern-day politicization of such a historical scene risked creating division instead of unity.
On Friday, the SPLC released a statement applauding the removal of the billboards, saying that it "disrespects John Lewis' legacy and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement."
"We can never afford to empower or embolden bad actors to cause harm and trample the rights and freedoms of marginalized groups," said Tafeni English-Relf, director of the SPLC's Alabama State Office. "The original billboard featuring Spider Martin's vivid image of the historic Selma to Montgomery March was created nine years ago, erected in Pearl, Miss., continues to spark conversation. Now, the discussion has shifted from a historical and political one to a debate over intentionality. No one wants that. This recent billboard may have been well-intentioned, but meaningful conversations about race, injustice and the ongoing fight for civil rights cannot be left to inference alone."
"The SPLC echoes Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed's sentiments and supports his decision to remove the billboard. Art should challenge and inspire, but context also matters. The events of Bloody Sunday changed the course of American history for the better. However, the inscribed political slogan aims to not only undo the progress Black Americans marched and died for, but disrespects John Lewis' legacy and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. We must actively protect Alabama's rich history and be more cognizant about the conversations and images we raise around race," she added.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
