MARCH FOR JOBS & FREEDOM
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 28, 1963 the largest demonstration for civil rights in the history of the United States of America, officially known as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, was held here in the Nation's Capital.
The "March on Washington," as it came to be known, was organized by Bayard Rustin* and directed by A. Philip Randolph**. President John F. Kennedy's speech on civil rights in June, along with his submission of a civil rights bill, gave a strong boost to Randolph's idea for the event.
Speeches were made by notable civil rights activists including Josephine Baker and John Lewis. There were musical performances by Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Mahalia Jackson and Peter, Paul and Mary. Entertainers Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando and Charlton Heston also attended.
The most famous of the orations on that day, of course, was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
JFK had been concerned that the march would turn violent and hurt chances for the passage of his civil rights legislation. When the day ended with no violence, the President was relieved and pleased.
After the march, Dr. King, Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, Jr., John Lewis and A. Philip Randolph, met with President Kennedy at the White House. Mr. Lewis said that the President greeted each of them at the door of the Oval Office and congratulated them with the words, "You did a great job."
*Bayard Rustin (1912-1987) was born in West Chester, PA & attended Wilberforce University, Cheyney State Teachers College & City College of NY.
In addition to his leadership in the civil rights movement, BR was an accomplished tenor vocalist.
**A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979) was born in Crescent City, FL & attended City College of NY. APR founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925. He was recognized for his leadership in the civil rights movement by presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by LBJ in 1964.
SOURCES
"March on Washington," www.history.com/
"March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom (August 28, 1963)," www.blackpast.org/
"We Shall Overcome: The History of the Civil Rights Movement As It Happened," by Herb Boyd, Sourcebooks, Inc. Naperville, Illinois, 2004.
Leaders of the March
US Information Agency
NARA Photo
