A march seen 'round the world. And a speech heard 'round the world.
Fifty years ago today, the March on Washington brought together people of all races and riches. To a person, the audience wore "Sunday best." Men in suits and ties, women in dresses and hats, little boys in white oxford shirts, little girls in patent leather Mary Janes and lace-cuffed socks. In spite of many hours of travel and little sleep, the people were inspired. Change was in the air. It was time. There is little doubt that the 1963 march did more for advancing civil rights than any other single event.
The march and the gathering were peaceful beyond expectations
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the man with a dream
Dr. King's moving speech is often called the "I have a dream" speech and those are the most quoted words. Interestingly enough, the dream part of the speech was completely extemporaneous. The prepared speech did not include the phrases so often repeated.
This part of the speech came about when singer Mahaliah Jackson said, "Tell them about the dream, Martin. Tell them about the dream." And so he did. Unscripted and from deep within himself he told us about his dream for our world. And all across America, we listened.
The dream has not been fully realized but those of us who remember the '60s know that great progress has been made. We still have the dream, and we must continue to make it come true. We have a dream...
9 comments:
A salute to a wonderful man and an important movement. Wish Dr. King had lived to see his dream become reality...in part at least. Still have some mountains to overcome unfortunately.
I just watched TV program A fellow has the actual paper MLK used for his speech. has been offered over $3million for it but won't sell.
Amen, and we have to keep consciously moving to make this dream a reality for all of us.
I do remember that time in history. Many actions in those days were pretty darn ugly. That particular day however was beautiful.
Yes we have come a long way but the dream is still unfulfilled. I do hope I live long enough.
Well said, and very interesting about the "I have a dream" part being unscripted. I hope that we keep moving toward his dream.
I have been inspired all day, watching coverage of the original march and today's commemoration. I did miss the full and entire King speech that was being broadcast on MSNBC though.
It is a shame that not a single Republican spoke today -- and that speaks volumes. Here's a party trying desperately to win the hearts an minds of black and brown American, yet they couldn't show up at this important event.
Beautiful. I just learned that little did-bit about the 'dream' part; so interesting.
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
Tara - I also noted the lack of Republicans.
I love remembering this day. I wish the enthusiasm for human rights and human compassion was as strong today as it was then.
Post a Comment