Couple prepare way for civil rights trail

[CShine]

History means a lot to Carla and John Whitfield, who couldn't be happier these days as they participate in an important project. Carla Whitfield is an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service, which is developing the Selma-to-Montgomery Historic Trail.

John Whitfield is a volunteer who is assisting his wife as they interview civil rights veterans, conduct tours and do whatever else they can to prepare for the eventual opening of the trail.

Completion of the first phase is in sight, with construction expected to begin this year on an interpretive center in this Lowndes County community. Two other sites have been selected in Selma and Montgomery, but completion could be several years away because of federal funding constraints.

By the time the 54-mile-long trail project is completed, visitors will have an opportunity to walk part of the way and try to comprehend what it must have been like in 1965 when civil rights history was being made.

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