The 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

On August 28, 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and millions of Americans from all walks of life participated in a March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was a huge turning point in recognition of the cause, and it helped quicken and strengthen the push for change during the Civil Rights movement, It was there that Dr. King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

This march was not just about racial equality, but about integration of schools, minimum wages for all workers, job creation, and the end of police brutality in the face of peaceful demonstrations.

This year there will be a march in Washington D.C. to remember & celebrate that historic march, and  recommit our country to fulfilling the promise of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" for all people.

The Civil Rights Movement used music as a way for participants to feel a sense of unity and shared purpose. Often (but not always) the music that was used was from old African-American spirituals, repurposed and reworded to suit the cause. Below is a playlist of speeches, songs, and images from the March and from this important era in American history.