It has been over forty years since African Americans, whites, rich, poor, voters and nonvoters joined together on August 28, 1963 for the March on Washington. This march led by Martin Luther King, Philip Randolph, and Bayard Rustin was originally organized to: address poverty that affected blacks and other groups, and the lack of jobs for the poor. However, the denial of the right to vote and the brutal treatment of blacks in the south focused this march on ending Jim Crow laws.

Today, the agenda of this march held forty-eight years ago has yet to be realized. Many hold this belief because Afro Americans, other ethnic and minority groups still face the exact same challenges of that time period. The Afro American is still one of the poorest races to live in America. Other groups, such as, the elderly, disabled, women and children are also part of the poor of poorest. So, really, in many ways, little has changed for us and for the others.

This article recognizes that the size and influence of civil rights organization has diminished. We barely hear mention of the Christian Leadership Conference headed by Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King, lll. The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee ceases to exist and the N.A.A.C.P almost went bankrupt.

These organizations were fundamental to keeping the plight of the Afro American in the limelight. Without their strength, focus and direction, the Afro American lost the fire and desire to fight. Several leaders came forward, but never achieved the success of
Dr. King.

During this time period, the slogan, “Black Power” was our universal chant. The meaning behind “Black Power” was obvious. Afro Americans uniting together in marches, such as, the March on Washington showed the power of a united front. These participants showed the strength of intelligent minds coming together.

The large demonstrations or marches of the 60’s are not prevalent in presenting civil rights and other issues today. Several reasons come to mind. First, no longer do we have leaders of Dr. Martin Luther King’s caliber. No one since Dr. King has been able to generate such passion and yearning in the Afro American as Dr. King. The death of Dr. King killed the spirit of the movement that today is barely in existence.

Secondly, many people today seem to believe that “things” are basically okay. After all, we can sit where we desire on a bus, go in the front door of business establishments and send our children to schools of our choice without the National Guard standing post. Yet, poverty, health and employment studies and statistics contradict this false sense of “things” being okay. We are miles from every thing being okay. To admit that we have issues and things still need fixing means admittance of a system that has failed to provide justice for all.

Thirdly, people now care more themselves than their brother. Such people truly believe that we live in a land of equal opportunity. Prejudice still occurs, but it more subtle and discreet than forty years ago. However, it is still showing it’s ugliness in areas of employment opportunities, housing, health care and all other fundamentals means of living.

Dr. King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech addressed several issues. Yet, the core issue was to revolve around 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation; the Afro American was still not free to enjoy fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution of the United States. Dr. King called for this country to pay up and called for those in the fight not to give up until this debt was paid in full. Dr. King realized the importance of voting to generate change and fought to the end for this.

It is hard to put into words what I feel for all those who fought and gave so much for us to enjoy the rights and freedoms that we have. How can you begin to say thank you to people who gave so much, including their live? I can not. The best way to say thank you is by being peaceful, loving my neighbor, and not be afraid to stand up for what is right. I can say thank you by being the best that I can be. Finally, never forget what led up to the March on Washington. And what was and was not accomplished by that historical march and speech.