MONTGOMERY, Ala.--MAX Credit Union is issuing a debit card that commemorates the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March that was an integral part of the fight for civil rights for African-Americans.
To mark the 50th anniversary of that march, MAX commissioned local artist John Hodges to paint a picture of the civil rights marchers. The credit union announced the debit card during a press conference here. The card is free to any new or current MAX member who stops into a branch and requests one.
“A world of progress started with one brave step,” reads copy on MAX CU’s website. “MAX is honored to celebrate the brave individuals who took that first, brave step for equality. We are grateful for their courage, and proud of the progress our country has made.”
Next week the city of Selma is marking the 50th anniversary of the event. There were actually three Selma-to-Montgomery marches in 1965, all credited for helping to lead to passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year. The movie Selma, which was nominated for Best Picture in this year’s Academy Awards, tells the story of the marches, which included numerous civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King.