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Google Cloud finalized an agreement late Thursday in which it will serve as sponsor for the 56th Anniversary of the iconic Selma-to-Montgomery March, providing in-kind technical support for a unique virtual march which began Friday and will continue through Sunday.

Google Cloud’s sponsorship of the event allows a virtual component to be added to the march agenda, through which individuals can experience the 54-mile virtual trail from Selma to Montgomery, earning “badges” as they reach each historic landmark.

The company is also providing an immersive virtual experience using Google Earth – including archival photos, first-hand oral histories and video excerpts to create an authentic journey through the Selma Voting Rights Movement over time.

I order to access the virtual trail experience, individuals must register for Jubilee by visiting https://www.selmajubilee.com/.

“We’re honored to partner with organizers of the 56th Selma Jubilee for such a meaningful milestone and virtual event – and are very proud that our product has been integrated to make this year’s event possible,” said Clark Gillespy, Alabama native and Google Global Head of Economic and Community Development. “This alignment speaks, in part, to Google’s Data Center presence in Jackson County, our local and national support of the black community and our immense pride in calling this state home.”

“This is truly an exciting and unique event to honor a pivotal moment in history,” said Michael Terrell, another Alabama native and Google Director of Energy. “It is one we at Google are proudly seeing realized thanks to the power of technology and the willingness of march organizers to carry on with this event, despite the challenging times in which we are living. We encourage all Googlers across Alabama and beyond to take part in this powerful virtual event.”