ICYMI: Highlights from the March on Washington Anniversary
Thousands of people came from near and far on Wednesday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Rain or shine, dignitaries, celebrities, members of Congress and union leaders all came together to not only commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, but to also celebrate the progress this country has made and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.
The many speakers included labor leaders such as Lee Saunders, president of AFSCME; Randi Weingarten, president of AFT; and Clayola Brown, president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute.
During his speech, President Obama connected the civil rights movement of his childhood to issues of today such as income disparities, immigration reform, voting rights and “stand your ground" laws.
And Dr. King explained that the goals of African Americans were identical to working people of all races: “Decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community.
He also commended teachers for their hard work:
That tireless teacher who gets to class early and stays late and dips into her own pocket to buy supplies because she believes that every child is her charge—she’s marching.
Obama ended his speech with:
And that’s the lesson of our past. That’s the promise of tomorrow—that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it.
The day’s events were historic for more than one reason. The overall takeaway and call to action was to “March On” to make the next 50 years better for our children and grandchildren. Let's march on for all of America’s families.
