More than 200,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963, to participate in The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was an historic rally that shed light on the discrimination the African-American community was facing in America at that time. Organized by a collection of religious and civil groups who were calling for racial justice, equality and the civil rights of all Americans, The March culminated with the now-famous “I Have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Washington, D.C., is hosting a series of events to honor The March on Washington, which began this past weekend and continues throughout this week, concluding tomorrow, marking the 50th anniversary of this historic event.
As a long-time member of the Washington community, NCTA and the cable industry at large are joining with many to celebrate the incredible struggle, sacrifice, and achievements of those who marched in 1963. Several NCTA member companies are celebrating and honoring The March in various ways. CNN, C-SPAN, BET, Fox News Channel, and TV One have several programs, specials and documentaries slated for this week including President Obama’s speech at the Lincoln Memorial scheduled for Wednesday.
The Washington Post compiled the full programming slate here.
Comcast has put together a stunning interactive education website titled “His Dream, Our Stories” sharing the personal history of some of the March on Washington participants. There are moving videos that reveal just how difficult it was for many Americans to win the right to enjoy liberties we now take for granted.
The King Center and Discovery Education are hosting a two-hour virtual field trip honoring the March on Washington. The presentation streamed live on Tuesday morning, August 27, 2013, and featured U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, a documentary film, March to Justice, and a panel discussion entitled 50 Years of Struggle: Youth Driving Economics, Education and Social Change. Panelists include civil rights activists and authors who will recount their personal stories.
And if you’re lucky enough to be in Washington, D.C., to celebrate this commemorative week, let us know about your experience in the comments.