Next weekend marks the 18th annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee and with more than 40 events to choose from, Selma’s Jubilee continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Organizers and multiple committees have worked tirelessly since November to make this year’s event possible.

In her first year as executive director of the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, Olimatta Taal said she’s honored to be a part of the Jubilee’s planning process.

“This event is closest to me, not only as a director but as a young person passing the baton,” Taal said. “There are a lot of exciting events planned, it will be phenomenal.”

With guest speakers like comedian Dick Gregory, founder of Kwanzaa holiday, Maulana Karenga, daughter of civil rights martyr, Mary Liuzzo Lilleboe, author Tom Burrell and musical guests such as Rich Kids, VIC and blues artist Lenny Williams, Jubilee is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

“It has turned into a world-wide event,” said Sam Walker, coordinator and Bridge Crossing Jubilee board member since 1993. “We never thought it would get to this point but it continues to get tremendously bigger and better each year.”

This year’s theme, “Celebrating our youth and the spirit of SNCC,” is a call for young people, who have always been a fire for change, to get involved and to remember the movement.

“We want to analyze the spirit of young people,” Taal said. “One thing we’re pushing is our ‘intergenerational hip hop youth summit’ on March 5 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to encourage young people to make their mark and to ask the question, ‘what is my legacy?’”

Walker agrees and said young people, especially young men, need to step it up.

“There’s a lot more work to be done,” Walker said. “Every year there’s a different message but we want to reach our young people and make them more productive citizens.”

The Bridge Crossing Jubilee will take place March 3-March 6. The event will conclude March 7 with a bus ride to the capitol.

Most of the events are free but the festival, invisible giants conference, children’s sojourn and step show will cost. Admission for children 6 and under is free.

“For the festival on March 5, the public can buy tickets in advance for $12.50 or $15 at the door,” Walker said. “For this price, you can visit both the Voting Rights Museum and Slavery Museum.”

In the event of rain, Walker said outside events will move to the J.A. Pickard Auditorium or the Old National Guard Armory.

For more information call 526-2626.