Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965

His photographs helped shape the way the entire nation viewed equal voting rights. Now, see never-before-published photos from renowned civil rights photographer Matt Herron.

Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Deep South, 1965 documents the historic Selma to Montgomery March, a pivotal moment in American history that directly led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Herron’s images capture the spirit, struggle, and triumph of the marchers — ordinary citizens, activists and leaders — who walked 54 miles over five days. The photographs reveal the diversity of participants and the emotional highs and lows of the journey.

The images are sourced from an exhibit originally curated by Herron, who passed away in 2020, and are now part of the Freedom Center’s collection. The photographs will be accompanied by some of Herron’s personal affects, such as his leather camera bag and hip carrier. The exhibit also includes materials that educate on the immediate impact of the Voting Rights Act and the ongoing fight for voter equity today, featuring oral histories with foot soldiers collected by Foot Soldiers Park and interviews with local activists and changemakers.

This exhibit is available for a limited time only. Exhibit access is included with museum admission. Plan your visit today at freedomcenter.org