In honor of the 60th commemoration of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March, the City of Birmingham has put together a new exhibition featuring the photography of local photojournalist James “Spider” Martin (1939-2003) taken during the historic march.

Called Two Minute Warning: A Look at the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March by Legendary Photographer Spider Martin, the new exhibition is currently on display on the second floor of Birmingham City Hall at 710 20th Street North.

The 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March

AHSAA — The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma was the site of the “Bloody Sunday” attack on protesters during the Selma to Montgomery march. (Bham Now)

In 1965, nonviolent activists organized a series of protest marches in Alabama to demand voting rights for African Americans. Led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, the marches were met with violence from counter-protesters and local law enforcement—like the “Bloody Sunday” attack on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.

On the third attempt, thousands of demonstrators successfully completed the 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery. Media attention around the marches led to a national outcry and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Photographed by Spider Martin

Mural — An Avondale mural depicting Rev. Shuttlesworth, Sun-Ra, Angela Davis and Spider Martin. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Along the route, James “Spider” Martin—a local photographer for The Birmingham News—captured harrowing, unfiltered images of the historic march for voting rights.

Spider’s photographs—and the national media attention they brought—were a major contributor to the success of the march. In fact, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “Spider, we could have marched, we could have protested forever, but if it weren’t for guys like you, it would have been for nothing. The whole world saw your pictures. That’s why the Voting Rights Act was passed.”

Among Spider Martin’s most iconic photographs is one called Two Minute Warning—an image taken moments before Alabama state troopers attacked the peaceful protesters on March 7, 1965: Bloody Sunday.

See Spider Martin’s photography at Birmingham City Hall

What: Two Minute Warning: A Look at the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March by Legendary Photographer Spider Martin.
When: Birmingham City Hall operating hours; 8AM to 5PM, Monday-Friday
Where: The second floor of Birmingham City Hall, 710 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Cost: Free!

“These images serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and equality. Spider Martin’s work played a pivotal role in shaping public awareness, and this exhibition ensures that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.”
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin

If you missed the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee this past weekend, don’t worry. Montgomery is hosting several events this coming weekend commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches—click here to learn more.

Have you seen Spider Martin’s photography at Birmingham City Hall? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!