March on Washington
August 28, 1963
The March for Jobs and Freedom
March on Washington is known for being one of the biggest political rallies for human rights in United States history. This march took place on August 28, 1963 in Washington D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial. The participants varied from 200,000 to 300,00. This historical event is where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his speech "I Have a Dream" speech which was his call to end racism. In the 1960s, African Americans were freed from slavery, given the status of citizens, and black men were given the right to vote. Only black people still faced with discimination with laws like the Jim Crow laws which prohibited interracial marriage and black and white kids couldnt go to the same schools, or even use the same educational books. The March on Washington was how the black people and white people who didnt believe in segragation were able to speak out against racism and discrimination.
Who Started It
Bayard Rustin (Left) and Cleveland Robinson (right) were the organizers of the march on August 7th, 1963.
Where It Took Place
This march took place in Washington D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial.
Who Participated
Participants ranged from 200,000 to 300,000 and there was an estimate that about 75-80% were African American.