Civil right activist details critical days with MLK tonight at history center downtown

YOUNGSTOWN

Anyone who witnesses an injustice or unkind act – regardless of how serious or far-reaching – can make a world of difference simply by taking corrective action.

That seemingly straightforward concept carries extra meaning, however, when it comes from the Rev. Clark Olsen.

“I keep saying to people, “Whenever you see something that’s wrong – whether it’s kids on the playground saying nasty things to each other, or politicians trying to rewrite voting laws or other injustices – decide to say something or do something,” the Rev. Mr. Olsen told close to 60 people who attended his presentation Saturday at Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, 325 W. Federal St., downtown.

Sponsoring the Unitarian minister’s presentation was Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past.

During his one-hour talk, the Asheville, N.C., man recalled his role during the civil-rights movement when he traveled to Selma, Ala., a few days after state troopers attacked nonviolent marchers March 7, 1965, on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The event, known as “Bloody Sunday,” occurred as the crowd was preparing to march 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery to bring attention to the government’s denial of voting rights. Seventeen people’s injuries were serious enough to require hospitalization, though no one was killed.

Read more about his involvement and how it has influenced his life in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.