Selma in Dallas County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
In Memory of: The Reverend James J. Reeb
Unitarian Universalist Minister
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, December 29, 2025
1. In Memory of The Reverend James J. Reeb Marker Side 1
After the "Bloody Sunday" attack on Civil Rights marchers in Selma on March 7, 1965, Rev. Reeb joined the nationwide call from Dr. King's plea for ministers of all races and religions to convene in Selma. Rev. Reeb joined a march led by Dr. King on March 9, 1965, leaving Brown Chapel Church, which a Federal Judge ordered postponed, but were encouraged by Dr. King to remain in Selma, promising a march would be held.
Following a mass meeting on March 9, Rev. Reeb and two other ministers ate at a local Black Cafι, afterwards making a wrong turn, turning towards the Silver Moon Cafι, a noted rough all-white club. Four white men approached them with racial slurs, beat Rev. Reeb on the head with a heavy club, and knocked and kicked the others to the ground at this location. Rev. Reeb developed a massive skull fracture and died two days later in a Birmingham hospital, losing his life in the struggle for voting rights.
Erected 2005 by The Evelyn Gibson Lowery Heritage Tour and SCLC/W.O.M.E.N., Inc. Women's Organizational Movement for Equality Now - Evelyn G. Lowery, Founder / Chair - The Unitarian Universalist Congregations.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Religion & Religious Structures
this page online
Location. 32° 24.554′ N, 87° 1.158′ W. Marker is in Selma, Alabama, in Dallas County. It is at the intersection of Washington Street and Alabama Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 211 Washington St, Selma AL 36703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sgt Robert Weakley Patton (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); VII In. Brooke Rifle (about 500 feet away); Highlights of Selma History / William Rufus DeVane King 1786-1853 (about 500 feet away); The Sleeping Prophet (about 700 feet away); St. Pauls Episcopal Church Est. 1838 (about 800 feet away); Burning of Downtown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Votes for Women (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lafayette's Tour (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selma.
Also see . . . James J. Reeb. (Submitted on January 6, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, December 29, 2025
2. In Memory of The Reverend James J. Reeb Marker Side 2
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, December 29, 2025
3. In Memory of The Reverend James J. Reeb Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 65 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 6, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
