Today is the 50th anniversary of the events that occurred during the March on Washington, and everyone in D.C. has geared up to honor it.
According to the Associated Press, marchers arrived early this morning to gather at the National Mall where they found the perfect spot to settle before everything starts today.
The march is to honor the year 1963, and marchers have said that placards are being passed out that say “We March To Protect Voting Rights”.
The site reports:
On the day of the anniversary, President Barack Obama will speak from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the same place King stood when he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Obama will be joined by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Churches and groups have been asked to ring bells at 3 p.m. Wednesday, marking the exact time King spoke.
On Friday, a coalition of black leaders issued what they said is the 21st century agenda for the nation as it marks the watershed civil rights event that helped bring about the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The 1963 march drew some 250,000 to the National Mall and ushered in the idea of massive, nonviolent demonstrations.
The march this year is being done in hopes that it will inspire those participating to educate themselves about issues that make up the modern civil rights struggle.
Stay tuned for more updates.
