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(August 28, 2013) Washington- 50 years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech.
King delivered this speech as part of the historic “March on Washington” which was celebrated by the NAACP this past weekend.
The March On Washington: From 1963 to 2013
The Jackson-Madison County Chapter of the NAACP took a bus trip to participate in the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.
Harrell Carter, Jackson-Madison County NAACP Branch President, went on the trip and marched on Washington with thousands of others.
He spoke with us about his experience.
| The Experience |
From King to Obama: The President Speaks
Joined by Former President Jimmy Carter and Former President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama spoke on the same steps that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood 5 decades ago when he delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech.
President Obama recognized that Civil Rights has come a long way.
| Civil Rights Progress |
The President also acknowledged that those who marched changed the nation and paved the way for many to enjoy the lives that they have now.
| Paving the Way |
The President acknowledged that there are problems that face the nation today, but they can be solved when the country works together.
| Work Together |
The President realized that, “We might not face the same dangers of 1963, but the fierce urgency of now remains. We may never duplicate the swelling crowds and dazzling procession of that day so long ago — no one can match King’s brilliance — but the same flame that lit the heart of all who are willing to take a first step for justice, I know that flame remains.”
We March On: Next Steps
One of the things that was echoed in each speech, both those on Saturday and the remarks from the President, was that the struggle was not over. There were multiple issues that everyone felt needed to be addressed.
Martin Luther King III, the son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., says that the dream is still that, just a dream.
| Martin Luther King III |
Reverend Jesse Jackson said, in an interview with the Associated Press, said that there are more things that need to be done.
| More Needs to Be Done |
As much as the March on Washington was a celebration, it was also a call to action. Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, says that the death of her son should serve as a reminder that people need to fight for their children.
| Sybrina Fulton |
Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), the only surviving speaker from the original March on Washington in 1963 said that he too will continue to fight for equality, especially in regards to voting rights.
| Congressmen John Lewis |
Former President Jimmy Carter spoke about the weakened Voters Right Act and the Voting ID Laws.
| Voter Suppression |
50 Years Later: We Still Celebrate
Even though there is more work to be done, that doesn’t mean that the work that has been done shouldn’t be celebrated.
Attorney General Eric Holder acknowledged, at the March on Washington, that if it weren’t for the progress that had been made by the original Civil Rights pioneers, he wouldn’t have the position he has now.
| Attorney General Eric Holder |
Former President Jimmy Carter repeated the sentiments he stated when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received his Nobel Peace Prize.
| Former President Jimmy Carter |
Rev. Jesse Jackson praised the things that have already been accomplished, despite there being more work to do
| Rev. Jesse Jackson |
