Governor Bentley Releases Statement on New Civil Rights National Monuments

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Friday issued a statement on the new Civil Rights National Monuments designated by President Obama. Read the full statement below.

“In Alabama, we don’t hide from our history or the events of the past; we reflect on those events and use them as guidance for a successful future. These new national monuments in Birmingham and Anniston, designated by President Obama, will help teach Alabamians, future generations and the rest of the world the important lessons learned during the Civil Rights Movement,” Governor Bentley said. “The new monuments will tell important stories of the Freedom Riders, the fatal bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in 1963 and so many more untold accounts of the brave men and women who fought inequality to bring about needed change. I want to thank all the dedicated men and women and local elected officials involved in making the national monuments possible and ensuring the legacy of all those involved in the Civil Rights movement is not forgotten.”