Once Upon A Time…
Remembering historical events and
considering their significance for families today
On August 28, 1963, over a quarter of a million people—the largest gathering of protesters to that date—marched on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to advocate for civil and economic rights for African Americans. It was at this gathering, dubbed the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech” from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Dr. King’s address and the March on Washington are often considered catalysts for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation also prohibited racial segregation in schools, employment, and public accommodations, in addition to the prohibition of unequal application of voter registration requirements.
Though it’s been 53 years since this pivotal moment, it’s only a blink of the eye in the longer history of the United States. The pain and suffering endured by people of color in this country leading up to the work of Dr. King and the civil rights activists of the 1960’s still lingers, especially when white supremacist groups, like those that instigated violence in Charlottesville just two weeks ago, step forward. Moments like these are reminders that there is much work to be done, that the march toward civil rights is still in motion.
Amidst all the talk these days about monuments—about which historical figures should be remembered, and where they should stand—let’s remember those who made a difference for the right reasons. Let’s harken back to those principles championed by Martin Luther King, Jr. Let’s teach our children the benefits of civil disobedience and nonviolent activism. Now is the time.
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Photo credit: Ron Cogswell (Flickr)