Women Changing the World: Lynda Lowery

Lynda Lowery is no stranger to creating change. As an activist and foot soldier she has dedicated her life to making sure all people are treated equally regardless of race.

She stood on the frontlines and in the face of danger at a young age. By the age of 15 she was jailed nine times, but her biggest test came on March 7, 1965 during what is now known as Bloody Sunday.

Lowery and other community members gathered to march from Selma to Montgomery in an effort to gain voting rights for African Americans, however they were met with anger and violence.

“I didn’t know it was going to be a nationwide thing and that we would be pivotal in changing the political history of this country,” Lowery said.

After Bloody Sunday and the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed thus prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.

Lowery said that at such a young age she never thought about the history they were making, they just wanted to be treated fairly. Not even fear could stop her from marching and standing up for what she believed in.

“When you start something you must be determined, be determined to take it to the end no matter the outcome,” Lowery said.

She said she believed they were ordained by God to make a difference. Although there was significant change in Civil Rights and race relations, Lowery said she believes work is yet to be done.

“Our job in the 60’s was to bring about Civil Rights, integration, and voting rights,” she said. “The job that faces you all now is to put the word human back in humanity.”

Lowery has written a book,Turning 15 On the Road to Freedom, that has now been adapted into a musical play. She also speaks to audiences all over the world about her experience fighting for equality.