While history often remembers John Brown’s assault on the Federal Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, it forgets 5 Black Americans who joined him, including a man named Dangerfield Newby. Dangerfield Newby’s motivation for joining Brown was rooted in his love for his family,. His story is a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom by ordinary people. They are worthy of remembering.
The March on Washington was the product of a long and arduous journey. Each moment built upon the previous one, generating momentum and solidarity among civil rights activists. By the time the march occurred in 1963, it stood on the shoulders of decades of activism, struggle, and resilience.
Emmett Till’s murder, the sit-ins, Freedom Rides, & the March on Washington were distinct elements within the Civil Rights struggle that contributed to the larger goal of eliminating racial violence, challenging segregation, & achieving civil rights reforms. Collectively, they showcased resilience, strategic diversity, & the movement’s ability to leverage various forms of activism to effect change.
Another galvanizing event was the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, this year-long boycott against the segregated bus system was a foundational moment in nonviolent resistance. Led by a young Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it marked the rise of mass protest as a tool for civil rights.
While the Montgomery Bus Boycott focused on challenging segregation and inequality within a specific local context, the March on Washington had a broader national and symbolic significance. Both events were integral parts of the struggle for racial equality & contributed to the momentum that led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
After Brown v Board of Ed, White Southerners dug their heels in against desegregation. Civil Rights activists demanded legal action and instituted a series of lawsuits designed to force schools to comply. So it was that in 1957, 9 Black American students faced immense hostility and resistance when they attempted to integrate Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas.
While the focus of the March on Washington was broader than just education, the struggle for desegregation and equal access to quality education was an underlying theme. The event culminated in Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which emphasized the need to dismantle racial segregation and discrimination in all areas of society, including education.
The Little Rock Nine’s struggle exemplified the challenges faced in achieving school desegregation and equal access to education at a local level, while the later March on Washington underscored the nationwide demand for comprehensive civil rights reform.
Both events highlighted the systemic injustices faced by Black Americans and the urgent need for change. The Little Rock Nine’s bravery and the subsequent legal battles helped pave the way for the integration of schools across the country, while the March on Washington galvanized support and played a pivotal role in influencing the passage of civil rights legislation.
Together, these events showcase the courage of ordinary people and the multi-faceted nature of the struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States.
The sit-ins and the Freedom Rides, and the March on Washington were all key components of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, each employing different tactics to challenge racial segregation and discrimination. They collectively demonstrated the movement’s determination to bring about change and highlighted various aspects of the fight for civil rights.
While not as confrontational as the previous tactics, the March on Washington aimed to showcase unity and gather widespread support for comprehensive civil rights legislation.
It built upon earlier momentum by gathering a diverse crowd from across the country, demonstrating the widespread support for civil rights reform.
Ultimately, the relationship between these events lies in their collective impact on the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement. Little Rock 9, Mamie Till, the sit-ins and Freedom Rides displayed the grit, resilience, courage, and commitment of activists to challenge segregation head-on, often facing violence and arrest in the process.
In the last thread on the 60th anniversary of the Match on Washington, we will look at the actual organizing of the March—-the roles of key individuals, civil rights organizations, and community leaders who collaborated to bring together a diverse coalition of participants.
Also, we will look at the logistical challenges, strategies for mobilization, fundraising efforts, and the coordination of speakers and performers at the March to shed light on the remarkable feat of uniting hundreds of thousands of people for a common cause.
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