Document Analysis, of the Civil Rights March of 1963 Commencing in the late 19th century, state level governments approved segregation acts, identified as the Jim Crow laws, and assigned limitations on voting requirements that caused the African American population economically and diplomatically helpless (Davis, n.d.). The civil rights movement commenced, intensely and assertively, in the early 1940s when the societal composition of black America took an increasingly urban, popular appeal (Korstad & Lichtenstein, 1988). The 1950s and 1960s was well known for racial conflicts and civil rights protests. The civil rights movement in the United States during the late 1950s and 1960s was based on political and social strives to achieve …show more content…
It was a speech of hope and strength, and it exemplified the idea the protesters declared of racial unity and a belief that blacks and whites could possibly exist mutually in peace (Hansan, n.d.). As stated by, Kensworthy (1963), the crowd at the demonstration, acknowledging that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was concluding his speech, hollered once again and waved their signs and banners. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. conclude saying, "We will not wait for the President, the Justice Department, nor the Congress, but we will take matters into our own hands and create a source of power, outside of any national structure, that could and would assure us a victory” (Kensworthy, 1963, p.16). According to Kensworthy (1963), The March leaders walked from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House who met and spoke with President Kennedy for over an hour. Afterwards, President Kennedy broadcasted a speech praising the marchers for the "deep fervor and the quiet dignity" that had depicted the protest (Kensworthy, 1963, p.1).
At the end of the ceremonies of the march at the Lincoln Memorial, a pledge was said, reciting the pledge the crowd swore to "complete personal commitment to the struggle for jobs and freedom for Americans" and "to carry the message of the march to my friends and neighbors back home and arouse them to an equal commitment and an equal effort” (Kensworthy 1963, p.16).
Stein & Axinn (2012) wrote
The marchers gathered at the Washington Monument before dawn as planned on August 28, 1963. At 11:30, 100,000 to 200,000 of them began marching towards the Lincoln Memorial singing “We Shall Overcome” (“The March on Washington” 12). At the memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered multiple speeches along with other African Americans about segregation and discrimination issues. During one of his speeches, King Jr. declared that “we will not hate you, but we cannot obey your unjust laws. Do to us what you will and we will still love you…But we will soon wear you down by our capacity to suffer. And in winning our freedom, we will so appeal to your heart and conscience, that we will win you in the process” (“Negro Protest Movement” 507). This statement by King Jr. describes his plans of further nonviolent protesting against “unjust laws” to convince others of the civil rights movement’s cause. He furthers this statement and elaborates his ideas in his infamous speech, “I Have a Dream.”
His ‘I have a dream’ speech in 1963, moved many hearts and many people. In the speech he repeatedly uses the words “I have a dream” at the start of every sentence, getting it to remain in our heads. Martin Luther King jr was a man with the strength and determination to make a change. By doing this speech he illustrated many trueful points that needed to be said but people were too afraid to say. I believe the strongest points in this speech was, “one day this nation will rise up”. Meaning the nation will overcome slavery and discrimination. “We will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will, be free one day.” This part of the speech is stating that if they stand as one there will be an impact. No matter what happens they will be together, have eachothers back and be the voice for the person who is too afraid to speak up. If they stick together there will be
The civil rights movement was one of the main elements that were responsible for agitation and protest that greatly expanded in the 1960s. This social movement “originated among black Americans in the South who faced racial discrimination and segregation, or the separation of whites and blacks, in almost every aspect of their lives” (“Protests in the 1960s,” 3). There was constant racial
Nearly 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans in Southern states still lived in a unequal world of disenfranchisement, segregation and various forms of oppression, including race-inspired violence. This is when the Civil Rights Movement was introduced; an era dedicated to activism for equal rights and treatment of African Americans in the United States. During this period, people rallied for social, legal, political, and cultural changes to end discrimination and segregation. This era included endless amount of events involving discrimination to minorities. This movement occurred somewhere between 1955 and 1965 but the exact time span is debated.
The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal time in American history, leading us toward the acceptance and advancement of African Americans in society, and eventually the same for other minority groups. The movement as a whole spanned from around the beginning of the 1950’s to around the beginning of the 1970’s. All across the nation, African American people fought for their rights through numerous protests and boycotts. Some notable events are the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Greensboro lunch counter sit-ins. Many forms of legislation and many judiciary decisions were made during this era, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1968, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Brown v. Board of Education (“A Timeline of the Civil Rights Movement FOOTSTEPS OF COURAGE”).
Although the McMillan Plan left some room for interpretation, it also continued to promote some national ideals – and demonstrators took advantage of that “state-sponsored fiction of universality… [and] made the Mall the nation’s premier setting for political assembly and protest.” More simply, protestors used the glorified sense of union promoted on the Mall to push forward their political dissent. This principle is particularly relevant in understanding the Civil Rights Movement’s utilization of the National Mall. In August 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders planned a “‘prayer pilgrimage’ to the Lincoln Memorial,” where King delivered his most famous speech on its steps. King’s choice to deliver his speech at this memorial was undeniably deliberate. Abolitionist President Lincoln led the United States through the Civil War and gained a reputation as the man who ended slavery. King’s speech, delivered at the memorial that honored that man, outlined the principles of racial equality – focusing on many of the shortcomings in American society. King’s choice of venue suggested that although the Lincoln Memorial celebrated equality in principle, the United States had a long way to go regarding this issue. This demonstration’s use of a feature on the National Mall demonstrated the hypocrisy of it, as the public space honored a doctrine that was not universally practiced in everyday American life. This march was one of the first of its kind, but it was certainly not the last. Throughout the latter half of the twentieth century, demonstrations have utilized features of the National Mall to promote relevant political causes. Demonstrations against the Vietnam War occurred frequently on the National Mall, many of which were less carefully
On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech to more than 200,000 people during the March on Washington. King's speech was one of the most influential during the era of the Civil Rights Movement and is to this day recognized as a masterpiece due to its effect on the audience as well as for its eloquence and language. Many components went into this passionate speech that portrayed King's hopes for racial equality and a brighter future made the speech as moving as it was. It is doubtful that any person can guess that this speech was written without forethought regarding what goals King wished to accomplish in this speech. Martin Luther King Jr.'s eloquent language was perfectly suited to his audience, both his
The March on Washington is said to be the highlight of the civil rights movement. The march was not planned by one group, many civil rights activist groups gathered to plan this march. The agreed to all meet at the Washington Monument and march to the Lincoln Memorial. Almost 250,000 people showed up for the march, and this was the same day Dr. King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. Also on this day John Lewis challenged President Kennedy, but not in protest or violence, according to the document he said "We will not stop. If we do not get meaningful legislation out of this Congress, the time will come when we will not confine our marching to Washington…. But we will march with the spirit of love and with the spirit of dignity that
In attendance of the march was civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. At the march King gave his “I have a dream speech.” In King’s speech he calls for an end to racism. Also he addressed the need for civil and economical rights for all races. The speech was especially empowering because it began with a reference to
The March on Washington was for Jobs and Freedom. It took place in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. There was about 250,000 people total in attendance. The March on Washington was the largest demonstration ever seen in the nation's capital. It was also the first to have a lot of live television coverage. Dr.King uses the bible to connect the audience by saying, "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.” This shows his very strong belief in that all people will stand together and unite one day. Dr.King uses many compariosons throughout his speech and he refers a hypothetical "check" in which the American people should cash. Dr.King is referring to the Emancipation Proclamation as a "check" in which was written to Americans that should be "cashed".
On August 28, 1963 more than 250,000 civil-rights supporters attended the March on Washington. Addressing the protesters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Profoundly, he proclaimed for a free nation of equality where all race would join together in the effort to achieve common ground. King stated his yearning for all colors to unite and be judged by character, not by race. African Americans would not be satisfied until their desire for freedom from persecution, bitterness, and hatred prevailed. Not only were the points in his speech powerful, but also the delivery he gave was so persuading and real
Throughout the 1960’s, the widespread movement for African American civil rights had transformed in terms of its goals and strategies. The campaign had intensified in this decade, characterized by greater demands and more aggressive efforts. Although the support of the Civil Rights movement was relatively constant, the goals of the movement became more high-reaching and specific, and its strategies became less compromising. African Americans’ struggle for equality during the 1960’s was a relentless movement that used change for progress. In essence, the transformation of the Civil Rights Movement throughout the 1960’s forwarded the evolution of America into a nation of civil equality and freedom.
I marched in the Women’s March in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 21st. I longed to be with men and women in Washington D.C, but could not make the journey. After attending the Women’s March on Washington panel, I learned you did not have to be present in our nation’s capital for your voice to be heard. The atmosphere of the marches was indescribable and filled with love. Prior to the march, I was nervous for the marchers across the world. It was interesting to learn that the students on the panel, did not feel caution toward this march. For some, it was overcoming the judgment and ridicule they received from family and friends. Yet, this march was one of the largest protests in history, but also one of the most peaceful.
On the afternoon of August 28, 1963 the famous voice of America spoke up. It was 52 years ago today that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gave his famous “ I Have A Dream” speech. He also did the march on washington or march for civil rights. The speech was delivered to about 250,000 people who came to Washington D.C. Of the estimated 250,000 people who attended the march, about 60,000 were white, people came from all over the country on this history changing day. There were ten speakers on the official program for the event of the Lincoln Memorial, all of them were men. There were no women speakers on the day of August 28, 1963.
Over 250,000 people marched onto Lincoln Memorial are a peaceful protest ("March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom”). The protest highlighted the issues through music and speeches. The most notorious person there was the leader of the civil rights movement Martin Luther King Jr. During the protest MLK gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech (History.com Staff, "March on Washington"). In his speech he explained how “he had a dream that white and black children would one day walk hand in hand and that one day sons of former slaves and sons of former slaveowners would be able to agree to live together” ("Martin Luther King's Most Famous