Joanne Blackmon Bland, a revered American civil rights activist and a pivotal figure in the Selma, Alabama, voting rights movement, passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 72. Born and raised in segregated Selma, Bland's early life was marked by the pervasive injustices of Jim Crow laws, which profoundly shaped her unwavering commitment to equality. Inspired by her grandmother, she began her activism at the tender age of eight, quickly becoming one of the youngest participants in the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement.

Bland's courage was evident from a young age, as she joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and was arrested numerous times, reportedly 13 times by the age of 11. She was a child foot soldier on the Edmund Pettus Bridge during the infamous "Bloody Sunday" on March 7, 1965, where she witnessed and endured brutal violence at the hands of state troopers. Her experiences on that day and in the subsequent Selma to Montgomery marches solidified her lifelong dedication to the cause of civil and human rights.

Following her impactful youth activism, Bland continued her pursuit of justice, serving in the United States Army and later integrating A.G. Parish High School in Selma. She returned to her hometown to ensure that the history and lessons of the Civil Rights Movement would not be forgotten. In 1993, she co-founded the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, serving as its director and a passionate educator.

After leaving the museum in 2007, Bland established "Journeys for the Soul," a tour company dedicated to guiding visitors through Selma's historic sites and sharing firsthand accounts of the struggle for voting rights. Her commitment to preserving history and inspiring future generations culminated in the co-founding of Foot Soldiers Park, a monument to the everyday people who fought for civil rights. Bland's legacy is one of profound bravery, tireless advocacy, and a steadfast belief in the power of ordinary individuals to effect extraordinary change.