Jim Letherer facts for kids

James M. Letherer (born December 30, 1933 – died December 18, 2001), known to many as Jim Letherer, was an American hero. He was born and passed away in Saginaw, Michigan. Jim was a very active civil rights leader who fought for fairness and equal rights for all people.

Jim is especially remembered for his amazing strength and spirit. He walked the entire 54 miles of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama. This march was a big event for voting rights. Even though he used crutches because he lost his right leg to cancer when he was ten years old, he never gave up.

A Champion for Civil Rights

Jim Letherer was a brave American who worked hard for civil rights. Civil rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person. During the 1950s and 1960s, many people, especially African Americans, did not have these rights. Jim joined others to protest peacefully and make sure everyone was treated fairly.

The Selma to Montgomery March

In 1965, Jim Letherer took part in the famous Selma to Montgomery march. This march was a protest to demand voting rights for African Americans. It was a long and difficult journey, but Jim walked every step of the 54 miles. He used crutches, but his spirit was strong.

With a big heart and a tenacious spirit, he trooped with King and fellow marchers in many a Deep South protest despite not having his right leg from birth. During the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, Letherer – who used crutches – helped keep spirits high by unswervingly shouting out cadence for his remaining leg, by chanting, "Left, left, left!"

Jim helped keep everyone's spirits high during the march. He would often shout "Left, left, left!" to help marchers keep their rhythm. His determination inspired many people around him.

Marching with Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1966, Jim Letherer marched again. This time, he walked with Martin Luther King Jr. in James Meredith's Mississippi March Against Fear. This march was another important event in the Civil Rights Movement. It showed that Jim was committed to fighting for justice, no matter how hard it was.

Jim's courage was even mentioned in a book by the famous folk singer Pete Seeger. A verse was written about him, showing how his strength touched others:

Jim Letherer's leg got left
But he's still in the fight.
Been walking day and night,
Jim's left leg is all right.

His Lasting Legacy

Jim Letherer continued to be an active person throughout his life. In 1984, he was involved in a march to help raise money for cancer research. This showed his care for others, even beyond civil rights.

In 1985, Jim joined a special reunion in Selma, Alabama. This event celebrated 20 years since the historic Selma to Montgomery march. It was a chance for the marchers to remember their journey and the changes they helped bring about.

Today, Jim Letherer is honored at the Selma to Montgomery Interpretive Center Museum in Alabama. There, you can see a life-size statue of him. This statue reminds everyone of his incredible courage and his important role in the fight for civil rights.