August 28 marks the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Here are the events that are being held today to commemorate it.
On this same date back in 1963, Washington DC saw Martin Luther King Jr deliver his transcendental “I Have A Dream” speech to the world. The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom marked an important turning point in the fights for civil rights. Fifty-seven years later, as the fight for social justice continues, activists are celebrating and honoring this pivotal point in history. Events have been taking place all week long; take a look at what’s going on today and tomorrow around the District in honor of the March on Washington’s 57th anniversary:
Friday, August 28
March on Washington 2020
Planned by the National Action Network and Rev. Sharpton in light of George Floyd’s killing in May, the Commitment March: Get Off Our Necks is expected to draw over 50,000 attendants. Attendants are expected to start gathering around 8 am on Friday morning with the program starting at 11 am until 3 pm. Speakers attending the event include Martin Luther King III, attorney Benjamin Crump and family members of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner.
NAACP’s Virtual March on Washington 2020
The NAACP is also holding a virtual march online as part of the March on Washington 2020 events for all those who could not attend the physical event.
The National Building’s Exhibition on Protest Art and Live Mural Painting
The Smithsonian’s National Building Museum is launching a new outdoor exhibition featuring 18 panels which were transformed into murals during this summer’s protests for social justice. Created in collaboration with P.A.I.N.T.S Institute, and the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, Murals Matter: Activism Through Public Art, speaks to the impact art can have on the built environment as well as the nations “urgent need for dialogue and reflection.” The exhibit will also feature a live mural painting session starting at 9 am, where artists will create new works inspired by the ‘Big Six,’ the leaders of the 1963 March on Washington. Exhibit events will continue with two days of reflection, activism and enjoyment for everyone on Saturday, August 29, and will be on display until late November.
Society’s Cage
A new art installation is coming to the National Mall. Created by Smithsgroup, the interpretive installation, Society’s Cage features sounds, lights and interactive exercises, and is meant to confront society with the historic forces of racism. Born in the aftermath of the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, the cube-shaped sculpture has been conceived as a mechanism for building empathy and healing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Saturday
HBCU March of the Generations
After Friday’s march, the Live Movement and Long Live GoGo are hosting a march in honor of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HCBU March of the Generations is expected to start at 12:30 pm at the Banneker Recreation Center and end at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Friday’s events will see several streets around DC closed from 6 am until midnight. Find out more about the street closures here.
[Featured image: Shutterstock]