The Alabama State Capitol has played a significant role in Black history, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. On March 25, 1965, hundreds of African American activists, led by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, marched from Selma to Montgomery, culminating in a rally at the State Capitol building.

At the Capitol, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "How Long, Not Long" speech from the building's steps, calling for an end to racial segregation and discrimination. This historic march and rally were pivotal in the fight for voting rights for African Americans, and the event became a symbol of the struggle for civil rights in the United States.

Today, the Alabama State Capitol stands as a powerful reminder of the courage and perseverance of those who fought for equality and justice, and it remains an important site for commemorating Black history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.