# Study Notes: The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom ## Overview The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, held on **August 28, 1963**, was a pivotal event in the American Civil Rights Movement. Over **200,000 people**, both Black and white, gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to demand the end of racial discrimination, better job opportunities, and civil rights legislation. The event is most famously remembered for **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech**. --- ## Key Themes and Objectives ### 1. **Purpose of the March** - **Primary Goals**: - Abolish racial discrimination in all forms. - Advocate for civil rights legislation. - Demand equal job opportunities and full employment. - Improve education for African Americans. The march was not just about civil rights but also economic justice, emphasizing the intersection of race and economic inequality. --- ### 2. **Significance of the Location** - The march culminated at the **Lincoln Memorial**, a symbolic site honoring President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation 100 years earlier. - The **Reflecting Pool** served as a backdrop for the massive crowd, symbolizing unity and reflection. President John F. Kennedy noted the appropriateness of the march being held at the Lincoln Memorial, calling it a contribution to "all mankind." --- ## Key Events of the Day ### 1. **The Crowd** - **Size**: Over 200,000 participants, with approximately **90% African American** and **10% white**. - **Arrival**: People traveled by train, bus, car, and even on foot from across the country. - **Atmosphere**: Despite fears of unrest, the event was peaceful, with only **three arrests** reported. One arrest involved a member of the American Nazi Party attempting to make a speech, while another involved a local motorist carrying a prohibited weapon. --- ### 2. **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Speech** - **"I Have a Dream"**: King departed from his prepared text to deliver one of the most iconic speeches in history. - **Key Quotes**: - "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'" - "Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill in Mississippi, from every city and state in the country." - **Themes**: Hope, unity, and the American Dream. King's speech was a call to action rooted in both the **Declaration of Independence** and the **Bible**, appealing to a broad audience. --- ### 3. **Other Notable Speeches** - **John Lewis** (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee): - Originally planned a fiery critique of both political parties but was asked to tone it down. - Revised speech supported the Kennedy administration's civil rights bill but with reservations. - **A. Philip Randolph** (Organizer of the March): - Criticized exemptions in anti-discrimination laws, such as those for small businesses like "Mrs. Murphy’s boarding house." Many assume King was the only speaker at the event, but there were numerous influential voices, including labor leaders, religious figures, and activists. --- ### 4. **Cultural and Religious Elements** - **Songs and Hymns**: - "We Shall Overcome" was sung as marchers moved toward the Lincoln Memorial. - Marian Anderson performed "He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands." - **Placards**: - Religious messages: "God of wisdom, God of power, can America deny freedom in this hour?" - Economic justice: "No U.S. dough to help Jim Crow!" The march blended elements of a revival meeting, a political rally, and a cultural celebration. --- ## Outcomes and Impact ### 1. **Immediate Reactions** - **President Kennedy**: - Met with march leaders at the White House. - Pledged continued support for civil rights legislation. - Called the march a significant contribution to the cause of equality. ### 2. **Legislative Impact** - The march helped build momentum for the **Civil Rights Act of 1964** and the **Voting Rights Act of 1965**. The peaceful nature of the march countered critics' fears and demonstrated the power of nonviolent protest. --- ## Challenges and Controversies ### 1. **Opposition and Criticism** - Critics feared violence or disorder, which did not materialize. - Some activists, like John Lewis, felt the Kennedy administration's civil rights bill was insufficient. ### 2. **Logistical Issues** - Hollywood stars scheduled to entertain the crowd were delayed by traffic. - Marian Anderson arrived too late to sing the national anthem, which was performed by Camilla Williams instead. It’s often overlooked that the march faced logistical challenges, yet these did not detract from its overall success. --- ## Key Takeaways - The March on Washington was a **turning point** in the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing the power of peaceful protest. - Dr. King’s "I Have a Dream" speech remains a cornerstone of American rhetoric, symbolizing hope and equality. - The event demonstrated the intersection of **racial justice**, **economic equality**, and **religious faith**. Imagine standing in a crowd of 200,000 people, united by a shared vision of justice, as Dr. King’s words echo across the National Mall. This was the spirit of the March on Washington. --- ## Self-Check Questions 1. What were the primary goals of the March on Washington? 2. Why was the Lincoln Memorial chosen as the site for the event? 3. What were the key themes of Dr. King’s "I Have a Dream" speech? 4. How did the march influence subsequent civil rights legislation? 5. What role did music and religion play in the march? Use these questions to test your understanding and connect the march’s themes to broader historical contexts.