Thousands Gather on National Mall to Commemorate 60th Anniversary of MLK’s March on Washington
WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of people gathered on the National Mall on Saturday to mark the 60th anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic March on Washington. The event, organized by the Kings’ Drum Major Institute and the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, aimed to highlight the ongoing racial inequality in the United States and the need to fulfill King’s dream of equality.
While acknowledging the progress made over the past six decades, speakers at the event emphasized that there is still a long way to go. Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, stated, “Have we reached the mountaintop? Not by a long shot.”
The gathering, held at the same location where as many as 250,000 people gathered in 1963, featured a diverse group of speakers and banners advocating for LGBTQ and Asian American rights. In a stark contrast to the original march, many women were given the opportunity to address the crowd.
Pamela Mays McDonald, who attended the original march as a child, reflected on the progress made in terms of gender representation. “I was 8 years old at the original March and only one woman was allowed to speak – she was from Arkansas where I’m from – now look at how many women are on the podium today,” she said.
However, for some attendees, the differences between the two marches were bittersweet. Marsha Dean Phelts of Amelia Island, Florida, expressed her disappointment at the smaller turnout compared to 60 years ago. “It was more fired up then. But the things we were asking for and needing, we still need them today,” she said.
The event was not without its distractions, as the sounds of passenger planes taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport and ongoing rugby games provided background noise. Nevertheless, the messages delivered by the speakers resonated with the attendees.
The gathering on Saturday served as a precursor to the actual anniversary of the March on Washington, which took place on August 28, 1963. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to meet with organizers of the 1963 gathering on Monday to observe the anniversary. All of King’s children have been invited to meet with Biden as well.
For Rev. Al Sharpton, continuing to commemorate the March on Washington anniversaries fulfills a promise he made to Coretta Scott King, the late matriarch of the King family. Sharpton emphasized the need for progress in civil rights protections, stating, “I never thought that 23 years later, Martin and I, with Arndrea, would be doing a march and we’d have less (civil rights protections) than we had in 2000.”
The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact of his Washington remarks were also discussed. While progress has been made, dark moments followed his speech, including the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, and the kidnapping and murder of civil rights workers in Mississippi. These tragedies ultimately led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Bernice King, one of King’s children, addressed the younger generation’s perception that not enough has been done to achieve equality. She urged them to recognize the progress that has been made and to continue fighting for change. “We can’t give up, because there’s a moment in time when change comes. We have to celebrate the small victories. If you’re not grateful, you will undermine your progress, too,” she said.
The gathering on Saturday provided hope for many attendees, including Denorver Garrett, who carried a cross with the names of victims of police brutality and gun violence. Garrett expressed gratitude for the unity displayed at the event, stating, “This fight though, has gotten very hard over time and hearing people who are united for the betterment of our people and communities – it’s recharged me to continue and I’m glad I
How does the inclusion of LGBTQ and Asian American rights in the event’s messaging contribute to the fight for racial equality?
And Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to speak at the official commemoration ceremony on Saturday, where they will address the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to achieve racial equality.
The anniversary of the March on Washington serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing the fight for civil rights. The event brought together people from diverse backgrounds and communities to show solidarity and advocate for equality and justice.
As the speakers emphasized, while progress has been made in the past 60 years, there is still a long way to go. Racial inequality persists in the United States, and the event aimed to raise awareness and push for change.
The inclusion of LGBTQ and Asian American rights in the event’s messaging highlights the intersectionality of the fight for equality. It acknowledges that the struggle against racism also includes fighting for the rights of other marginalized communities.
The increased representation of women at the event compared to the original march is a testament to the progress made in terms of gender equality. It shows that the fight for civil rights is not limited to any one group but encompasses the rights and voices of all.
Although there was disappointment expressed over the smaller turnout compared to 60 years ago, the message and spirit of the event remained strong. The challenges and demands of the past are still relevant today, and it is crucial to keep pushing for change.
Despite distractions like airport noise and ongoing sports events, the messages delivered by the speakers resonated with the attendees. The importance of the anniversary and the ongoing fight for equality were not overshadowed by these minor interruptions.
The event on the National Mall was a reminder of the significance of the March on Washington and its impact on the civil rights movement. It served as a call to action to continue the work started by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to realize his dream of equality for all.
The upcoming official commemoration ceremony, with President Biden and Vice President Harris, will further highlight the significance of this anniversary and the continued commitment to the fight for civil rights. It is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead, as well as a reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing and requires collective effort.
It’s disheartening to think that racial inequality still persists, despite the progress made since the March on Washington. We must continue the fight for equality and pursue the unfulfilled dreams of those who marched 60 years ago.
We must never forget the bravery and sacrifice of those who marched 60 years ago, and we must use this anniversary as a reminder to keep pushing for a more equal society. The fight against racial inequality is far from over. Let’s work together to fulfill those dreams.