March 14, 2025 Story by: Editor
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) have introduced the Civil Rights Landmarks Protection Act, aimed at safeguarding historic civil rights landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places from being sold by the federal government.
The bill comes in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to place the Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station, home to the Freedom Rides Museum, on a list of federal properties slated for potential sale by the General Services Administration (GSA).
“Our historic civil rights landmarks are not just Black history. They are not just Alabama history. They are American history, and they deserve to be protected for future generations,” said Rep. Sewell. “After all, if we are to avoid repeating our painful past, we need to remember it, acknowledge it, and learn from it. Rest assured, Congressman Figures and I will not sit by and let Donald Trump, Elon Musk, or anyone else sell off historic landmarks like the Freedom Rides Museum to the highest bidder. Our civil rights history is not for sale.”
Rep. Figures emphasized the significance of the Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station, where civil rights activists—including the late Congressman John Lewis—were violently attacked for advocating for their constitutional rights.
“The Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station, which is in my district, is a historic landmark that should be protected,” said Rep. Figures. “Former Congressman John Lewis and many other civil rights activists were nearly killed at this bus station for simply fighting for their constitutional rights. This landmark, and many others like it, are part of the story of America, and we should not allow the Trump Administration—or any Administration—to simply sell it away.”
Key Provisions of the Civil Rights Landmarks Protection Act
- Prohibits the sale of any federally-owned civil rights landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places (managed by the National Park Service).
- Requires congressional approval for the sale of any such landmark. If Congress does not approve the sale, the property cannot be sold.
Ongoing Efforts to Halt the Sale of the Freedom Rides Museum
On March 6, 2025, Reps. Sewell and Figures sent a letter to the GSA, urging the immediate removal of the Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station from the list of properties slated for sale. To date, GSA has not responded to their request.
The bill underscores the broader effort to preserve key sites of the civil rights movement, ensuring that future generations can learn from America’s history and continue the fight for justice and equality.
Source: Terri Sewell
