The resolution commemorates the life and legacy of Jo Ann Blackmon Bland, a prominent civil rights activist from Selma, Alabama, who passed away on February 19, 2026. Born on July 29, 1953, Mrs. Bland was deeply influenced by her upbringing, which instilled in her a strong sense of faith, discipline, and resilience. She became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement at a young age, participating in significant events such as the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday in 1965. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to promote justice and equality, co-founding the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute and developing Foot Soldiers Park to honor the contributions of everyday participants in the movement.

The resolution expresses heartfelt condolences to her family and acknowledges her enduring impact on the community and the nation. It highlights her dedication to educating future generations about the Civil Rights Movement and her role as a loving mother and mentor. Senator Robert Stewart, Jr. reflects on her influence in his life and the broader Selma community, emphasizing her legacy of courage, service, and unwavering love for her city. The resolution serves as a tribute to Mrs. Bland's remarkable contributions and the void her passing has left in the hearts of those who knew her.