The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was a historic event that took place on August 28, 1963, in Washington, D.C. Organized by civil rights and labor leaders, including A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, the march aimed to advocate for civil and economic rights for Black Americans.
Timed to occur on the eight-year anniversary of the murder of Emmett Till, the march attracted approximately 250,000 participants from across the United States, making it one of the largest gatherings for civil rights in American history. It culminated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
The march called for an end to racial segregation and discrimination, protection of voting rights, and economic justice, including fair employment practices and a minimum wage increase. It played a crucial role in pushing for the passage of civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Learn more through the National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/articles/march-on-washington.htm
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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The March on Washington