A mock trial, a parade, a pageant, a unity breakfast and workshops will all be on the agenda at this year’s annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee, set for March 1-5.

Since its creation in 1993, every year, Jubilee gets bigger and better. With appearances from civil rights activists the Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, to politicians and celebrities, the event is one to always look forward to.

I’ve always enjoyed Jubilee. It’s a time when I see more people than I’ve ever seen at one time, and there’s always a plethora of events. It reminds me of the ‘big city’ feel I’m used to.

It’s amazing to me just how much Selma is embraced and appreciated for its history during Jubilee.

People from all walks of life actually relish in the experience of learning about the happenings of the civil rights movement — the beatings, the acts of injustice, the demonstrations and the Selma-to-Montgomery march, and want to be a part of making history, year after year.

This year, Jubilee will commemorate the 47th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, where hundreds, who were fighting for the right to vote, were severely beaten and gassed by Alabama State Troopers and local law enforcement. It is because of the courageous efforts of these nonviolent protestors that I have my unalienable rights guaranteed; I have a chance to pursue “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

This year’s Jubilee focuses on “old battles and new challenges.” It focuses on workers’ rights, voting rights and immigration. This will be a time when “Black and Brown,” (or African Americans and Latinos) can get together and fight for justice.

I give thanks to all those who fought for my freedoms. Many of those I will never know their names or will see their faces. This Jubilee, let’s remember the fight.