The George Washington Carver Homes in Selma, Alabama, have a rich history deeply intertwined with the Civil Rights Movement. Completed in 1952, this housing project was initially part of an urban renewal effort to provide affordable housing for African Americans in a segregated city. The development consists of 48 two-story brick buildings spread over 17 acres, making it one of the oldest public housing developments in Selma.
During the 1960s, the George Washington Carver Homes became a critical hub for civil rights activities. The homes were strategically located near Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, which served as a meeting point and headquarters for civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). These leaders often stayed and organized within the Carver Homes, making it a base for planning significant events such as the Selma to Montgomery marches.
The area played a pivotal role during the famous events of "Bloody Sunday" on March 7, 1965, when peaceful protesters were violently confronted by law enforcement on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The Carver Homes provided shelter and safety for many activists during these tumultuous times, symbolizing a sanctuary for those fighting for voting rights and equality.
Today, there are efforts to recognize and commemorate the historical significance of the George Washington Carver Homes. Local advocates are working to ensure that this important site receives proper acknowledgment for its role in the Civil Rights Movement.