The March on Washington, 50 years later: The Fierce Urgency of Now
/Fifty years ago tomorrow will mark a half-century since the historic 1963 March on Washington. One of the largest rallies of its kind, civil rights leaders and supporters, Blacks, Whites, women, men and children joined forces to demand equal civil rights and the end of Jim Crow. It was at this storied event, 100 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, that Dr. King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. If you've never listened to it, click this link and take some time to: you will be moved. And you'll be smarter. ;) What a voice! What a speech! "all men... would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds. But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt."
And the Washington Post has put together a great slide show from '63 as well as a space for memories from those who were there. Look at and read some of those if you can. They're remarkable and inspiring.