Fifty Years after the March on Washington, Many Weigh In with News, Opinion, and Reports

 

This month marks the 50^th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, an important moment in the civil rights movement. The 1963 march may be best remembered for Martin Luther King, Jr.۪s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, though many other prominent civil rights leaders delivered remarks,often calling for economic opportunity and justice.

The anniversary presents an occasion to consider the March on Washington۪s legacy for racial equity and economic fairness. At a recent bipartisan ceremony, House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and other Congressional leaders reflected on the strides made over the past decades and the need for further progress toward racial and economic equity.

Numerous major events have been planned in Washington, D.C. around the anniversary,including one march that took place last weekend that drew tens of thousands to the National Mall.On the exact date of the anniversary, August 28, another march will take place and President Obama will deliver a speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Spotlight has compiled resources from think tanks, research groups, and news organizations from across the political spectrum to commemorate the anniversary and has highlighted a few publications below:

 

News and Opinion:

– Spotlight on Poverty

– TIME

– Smithsonian

– The New York Times

– PBS

– The Nation

Research Organization Publications:

– Urban Institute

– National Center for Public Policy Research

– Economic Policy Institute

– Public Religion Research Institute

– U.S. Census Bureau

 

Posted by Katherine

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Here at Out of the Spotlight, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at the latest news and information essential to anyone working to fight poverty. From key political appointees to clashes over policy, we cover the news that doesn’t always make the evening news. Check out Out of the Spotlight for our take on the twists and turns of the latest political developments and their impact on poverty reduction. Topics and ideas are welcome! Just contact mlaracy@aecf.org or watersboots@hotmail.com.