A call to the March on Washington
40th Anniversary
[posted 8-20-03]
from the National Council of Churches
[thanks to the Presbyterian Washington Office]
"Let justice roll down like waters, and
righteousness like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24)
Greetings!
This week the SCLC, the NAACP, the Urban
League and many of faith groups including the National Council of Churches
will convene a march to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the historic
March on Washington.
A message from Martin Luther King, III
president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and
a list of events follow.
You can find more information about the
march on their website
www.marchonwashington.org
From Martin Luther King, III
Greeting to all lovers of Justice and of
Peace. On Saturday, August 23, 2003, we pause to commemorate the 40th
Anniversary of the "March on Washington", which gave this world the now
famous "I Have A Dream" speech, A challenge envisioned by my late father,
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Gather with us today to continue the work
of building a "Beloved Community", that was called for by my father 40 years
ago. Come and bring your commitment, support, and resources because instead
of the traditional one day of events that marked the 20th Century we are
kicking off a 15 month rolling mobilization to educate, register, and to
inspire people to vote for a new day in 2004. This rolling mobilization will
allow us to truly celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the "March on
Washington" by committing to take the work started four decades ago to new
heights, the way it was intended.
The schedule
Friday, August 22, 2003
Lincoln Memorial
4:00pm Ceremony to unveil Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative plaque
4:30pm Press Briefing
7:30pm Prayer Vigil and Speeches
9:00pm "Spoken Word on Washington" (Poetry Jam)
Saturday, August 23, 2003
9am to 11am
DC Host Committee Mobilization Assembling
Marches Begin
Rally / March
Saturday, August 23, 2003
The 40th
Anniversary March on Washington
Lincoln Memorial,
23rd Street @ The National Mall
Convene at the site of 1968's Resurrection
City in West Potomac Park:
10am Open Plenary
10:30am to 12n Community Mobilization Teach-In's.
12:30pm to 2pm Community Mobilization Teach-In's.
2pm Closing Plenary
3pm March to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a commemorative mass
rally. A full list of speakers will be announced soon.
Events
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary March on Washington
Thursday, August 21, 2003
6pm to 9pm --- Oldies But
Goodies/Hand Dance Mixer Fundraiser for the D. C. Host Committee, 40th
Anniversary March On Washington Cada Vez. 1438 U Street, NW, Washington, DC
20009 Contact Senghor Jawara Baye-EL 202.829.7204
Friday, August 22, 2003
National Museum of American History,
Behring Center Smithsonian Institution, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue,
N.W. Carmichael Auditorium - Free and Open to the Public
6:30pm to 8pm Bearing Witness to a Dream
Deferred
A panel of activists who organized and
participated in the historic March on Washington will discuss their hopes
and expectations in 1963 and assess the challenges of the continuing
struggle for justice in 2003.
Facilitator Bernice Johnson Reagon, SNCC
field organizer and member of the SNCC Freedom Singers, invited performers
on the March program. Panelists:
Comments and Q&A follows.
8pm to 9pm --- Songs of Struggle and
Freedom The SNCC Freedom Singers - Ruth Mae Harris, Charles Nesblett and
Bernice Johnson Reagon - will perform and lead a "community sing"
Friday, August 22, 2003
7pm The Kennedy Center for The Performing
Arts; 2700 F Street, NW.
Brother Outsider - The
Life of Bayard Rustin
Screening of Brother Outsider - The Life of
Bayard Rustin with special guests and post-screening discussion.
Pre-Screening Reception/Cash Bar, 6:00p. - Free and Open to the Public
Bayard Rustin was one of the most prolific
figures during the Civil Rights Movement. The documentary Brother Outsider:
The Life of Bayard Rustin, explores his life. PBS aired the film in January
2003. "If one gets out and begin to defend ones right and the rights of
others, spiritual growth takes place," was his constant battle cry. The film
is by Nancy Kates and Bennett Singer. Sam Pollard is Executive Producer
One of his most significant contributions
was his work as the Coordinator and Executive Director for the 1963 March on
Washington. He advised Dr. King and President Johnson. Rustin debated
Malcolm X and Kwame Toure. He was openly gay. Eleanor Holmes Norton
questioned it best when she asked, "Why did he remain in the background, why
was he the advisor to this, that or the other great person, but never
himself coming forward in the full measure of his great talent?" She simply
replied, "I think because he recognized that in a world in which
homosexuality was roundly condemned, he would be a liability to movements or
to those he advised."
A website,
www.rustin.org, contains extensive background on Mr. Rustin's life and
work.
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Sixth National Conference of the New Civil
Rights Movement
(To register click here.)
People's Congregational Church - 4704 Thirteenth St. NW
6pm Opening Plenary Session: Defending Our
Victory at the Supreme Court and Mobilizing to Defeat Ward Connerly.
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Sixth National Conference of the New Civil
Rights Movement (con't) Howard University - Room TBA
9-10AM Plenary Session: Building a National
Boycott Campaign against the Backers of Ward Connerly and their Campaign for
the Racist Resegregation of American Society
10-10:15am Break
10:15am-12n Discussion and Vote on Concrete
Plans of Action
12n-1pm Lunch
1-2:30pm Regional Discussion
2:30-3pm Wrap-up
For more information,
contact:
Elenora Giddings Ivory
PC(U.S.A.)Washington Office
110 Maryland Avenue, NE, #104
Washington, DC 20002.
202-543-1126, fax
202-543-7755.
Email eivory@ctr.pcusa.org
