Leaders from the major national civil rights organizations in the United States—a group known as the “Big Six”—proposed a massive nonviolent demonstration in Washington, D.C., the largest the capital had ever seen. The organizers called it the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and set a date, August 28, 1963.What is you dream?
“The idea of a major demonstration in Washington, in the nation’s capital, that brought together all of the major civil rights organizations would be a statement very different from what was happening around the country,” says Harry Rubenstein, curator of political history at the National Museum of American History.
That summer day, thousands of people gathered at the Washington Monument, where Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and other musicians performed for the growing crowd. From there, the participants proudly picketed down Independence and Constitution Avenues to the Lincoln Memorial. Fourteen speakers, representing civil rights organizations, labor unions and religions, took to the podium. The messages built one upon another in a powerful crescendo, until Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his now famous “I Have a Dream” speech. (By Megan Gambino http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/Document_Deep_Dive_A_Play-by-Play_of_the_March_on_Washington.html#document/p1/a116491)
Statement from the Bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut:
On August 28, 1963 a quarter of a million people joined the March on Washington for freedom, equality, and human rights. That day, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired our nation with words of challenge, determination, and hope: "I have a dream..." That speech helped to set the tone and direction for the country, including The Episcopal Church's deeper engagement in the civil rights movement. (Read More)
Challengingviolence.org - a resource website, which has new material including talking points and scripture readings on non-violence, offered by Black Women for Positive Change.
Let Freedom Ring commemorative bellringing - churches are invited to ring their bells at 3pm on August 28 and St. Peter's will join in this!
And we are not there yet,
but I still have a dream today, and I keep praying...
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP)
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