MARCH ON WASHINGTON DRAWS 200,000 FROM 'MANY PARTS OF THE COUNTRY'
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 28, 1963, "men and women from many parts of the country gathered for the greatest demonstration in the city's history."
The March on Washington* began at the Washington Monument grounds and moved toward the Lincoln Memorial where two hours of speeches were given.
Police estimated the crowd, according to The Evening Star, at between 175,000 and 200,000.
Heading the march was the leader A. Philip Randolph**. Marchers chanted "Freedom, Freedom, Freedom."
JFK+50 NOTE
President Kennedy said,
"All of our citizens are entitled to a full membership in the national community. The gains of 1963 will never be reversed."
JFK welcomed the leaders of the march to The White House & said to them, "I have a dream."
*March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom, August 28, 1963 was held to advance the civil & economic rights of African-Americans. The most notable of the speeches given at the Lincoln Memorial was that of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. titled "I Have a Dream".
**Asa Philip Randolph (1889-1979) was born in Crescent City, Florida & educated at City College of New York. APR became a railwayman, trade unionist & civil rights activist.
SOURCES
"Eager, Orderly Marchers Join Demonstration," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 28, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"Rights Marchers Top 175,000," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 28, 1963, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
_-_NARA_-_542010.jpg)
