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Vice President Kamala Harris delivered an impactful two-part speech at the Bridge Crossing Jubilee on Sunday at the Songs of Selma Park.

Under a partial sun, Harris opened her speech calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza. She said the six weeks would be long enough to get hostages out.

“Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease fire — for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table,” Harris said. “Hamas must agree to the terms. No more excuses.”

Harris said she and President Joe Biden keep up with what has transpired in Gaza.

“What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating,” Harris said. “We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal food, women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration.” 

Harris switched the subject to voting rights, a freedom for  which several residents were killed on March 7, 1965, famously known as “Bloody Sunday.”

“​​Freedom is fundamental to the promise of America,” Harris said. “Freedom is not to be given. It is not to be bestowed. It is ours by right. This generation has fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers. The government should not be telling her what to do with her body.”

Congresswoman Terri Sewell said what Selma residents fought for on March 7, 1965, known as “Bloody Sunday” is on the line.

“If they didn’t think your vote counted, they wouldn’t be working so hard to take it away from you,” Sewell said. “It’s important that we pass the John Roberts Lewis’ Voting Rights Act now.”

The Jubilee featured a long list of high-profile officials who attended, including Civil Rights activist Al Sharpton and former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman.

Selma City Council President Billy Young, council members Lesia James, Jannie Thomas and Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn were among the local officials who attended.