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The annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee is in the books and improvements should be made for its 60th anniversary next year.

One thing I recommend changing is giving Dr. Bernard Lafayette his own separate platform. Lafayette, who has a street named after him, appeared on a couple of programs with time limits.  Lafayette needs a program without a stopwatch. He deserves that. In my opinion, Lafayette is equally important to local icons Amerlia Boynton and F.D. Reese.

Another priority needed changing should be arranging a set-up for the media to access key speakers. Reporters, photographers and camera operators were all packed on a large stage this year, making it difficult to capture moments to share with the community. 

I am grateful that the 2019 version of me was not among those on the stage packed tightly in a sardine can. Some of us had to take breaks off the stage and away from the small space to catch a breath.

In previous years, the media had two rows with tables and chairs. This year, we got neither. Since I started working in Selma, I have always pushed for the media to get closer to the stage at the Jubilee.

The local media should be treated on the same level with pool reporters assigned to the President and Vice President. They get in the front row; why shouldn’t we have the same access?

For some who last attended the Jubilee 10 years ago, it is not the same one today. Media went through two different bag checks and their bags were sniffed by police dogs. The light rain did not do us any favors, At least it stopped when Vice President Kamala Harris arrived and she brought along a much-needed ray of bright sunshine.

The 59th annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee is over. Going forward, we want to see changes made for better access.