Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church (Selma, Alabama)

Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church is a historic church in Selma, Alabama, United States. It played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement, particularly during the Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches of 1965.

The church served as the organizational headquarters and starting point for the marchers. It was at Brown Chapel that participants gathered, planned strategies, and sought refuge before, during, and after the marches. The church's doors were often open day and night, providing a safe haven for activists facing threats and violence.

Designed by architect A. J. Armstrong, Brown Chapel was completed in 1908, replacing an earlier church building. Its architecture is Romanesque Revival in style, featuring prominent twin towers and stained glass windows.

The events that transpired at Brown Chapel and its surrounding area, including the infamous "Bloody Sunday" attack on March 7, 1965, galvanized national support for voting rights legislation. Images of the violence against peaceful marchers broadcast across the country helped to push Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997, recognizing its significant contribution to American history and the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the church continues to serve as a place of worship and a symbol of the struggle for equality and justice. Visitors can tour the church and learn about its history and the role it played in shaping the nation's trajectory on civil rights. The church maintains an active congregation and remains a vital part of the Selma community.