Sykes Commemorates the Anniversary of the March on Washington

Today, state Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) commemorated the 60th­ anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

"Sixty years ago today, men, women and children from all across the nation marched in Washington, D.C. in the most pivotal protest for civil rights the world had witnessed up to that point," Sykes said. “It was this resounding rallying cry that helped tipped the scales of equality, legally and legislatively, for African Americans in this country.”

On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C. in a culmination of years of advocacy for the civil and economic rights of African Americans in this nation. Marching through the nation’s capital, the crowd convened at the Lincoln Memorial where a multitude of entertainers, political leaders and activists addressed the world in televised performances and remarks, all calling for the advancement of civil rights for African Americans. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. closed the March with his “I Have a Dream” speech, which is still widely studied and quoted today. The March on Washington is noted by historians as the catalyst that prompted President John F. Kennedy to initiate the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“We must never forget the words of Dr. King and others from that day. It is important to recognize the shoulders upon which we stand,” Sykes said. “Though we still have work to do for Dr. King’s dream to be fully realized, the March on Washington should forever be celebrated for its contributions to the great advancements and strides African Americans have been able to make in this country over the last six decades.”

More information on the March on Washington can be found here. More information on anniversary celebrations can be found here.