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March on Washington

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A large peaceful gathering of people during the historic March on Washington, with the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in the background.

The March on Washington

The March on Washington was a very important gathering in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. Many people came together to ask for equal rights and better jobs for African Americans. It was a big event in the civil rights movement.

Famous singers like Mahalia Jackson and Marian Anderson performed beautiful songs. Leaders gave speeches, too. The most remembered speech was by Martin Luther King Jr.. He stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial and shared his dream of a world without unfairness.

The march was organized by two important people: Bayard Rustin and A. Philip Randolph. They brought together many groups to support the idea of "jobs and freedom." About 250,000 people attended, making it one of the largest political rallies in U.S. history.

This special day helped lead to important laws, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Even today, people remember the March on Washington as a time when many worked together for a better future.

Images

Joan Baez and Bob Dylan performing music at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a key leader in the civil rights movement. Visit his childhood home and historic church at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to learn about his life and legacy.
Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., pose in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington in 1963.
Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement marching during the March on Washington, D.C. in 1963.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Joachim Prinz at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, advocating for equality and justice.
Program for events at the Lincoln Memorial during the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Congressman John Lewis speaking at the Library of Congress during the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, a historic event for civil rights.
Civil rights leaders meet with President John F. Kennedy in the Oval Office after the March on Washington, discussing important issues for equality and justice.
Civil rights leaders meet with President John F. Kennedy after the March on Washington, discussing important changes for equality.
People participating in the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Charlton Heston, Sidney Poitier, and Harry Belafonte at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, standing near the Lincoln Memorial.
Actor Ossie Davis participating in the Civil Rights March on Washington in 1963, a key moment in U.S. history advocating for equality and justice.
Leaders of the Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. in 1963, including John Lewis and A. Philip Randolph.
Historical photo from the 1963 Civil Rights March in Washington, D.C., featuring authors and actors participating in the event.

Related articles

Washington, D.C.
African American
Mahalia Jackson
Marian Anderson
Martin Luther King Jr.
Lincoln Memorial

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