GDW EVENT ALERT EXTRA: 60th Anniversary of March on Washington A Continuation of Dr. King’s Work

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All:

IN CASE YOU HAD NOT HEARD, August 26, 2023 marks the 60th Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s epoch making March on Washington for Jobs and Justice, which originally took place on August 28, 1963 However, as Rev. Al stated, this is not a commemoration but a CONTINUATION of what Dr. King started on behalf of Black people who were systematically segregated, discriminated against, and relegated to the level of "second class citizens."

At the time of the March, I was preparing to become a Freshman at Hampton Institute (now University) and missed the privilege of participating.  However, as a member of the Oklahoma City NAACP Youth Council, we raised money to help get buses so other members could attend.  And now, here we are 60 years later, and it's patently clear that it's as important today as it was 60 years ago that we return to DC to take a stand for our rights - which are being flagrantly violated and under siege by a new brand of fascism and racism.

Americans will be converging from all over the country - as the pressure mounts to save the soul of America from fascism, neo-nazism, suppression, oppression and demonic aggressions against Black people by individuals whose responsibilities are to protect and serve us.

So Martin Luther King, III, Arndrea Waters King, and Rev. Al Sharpton, who are spearheading this 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, have determined that it will not be a commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s work, but a continuation.   The event will bring together the three global civil rights leaders and partner organizations from across the country to evaluate the progress made to achieve Dr. King’s “dream,” and also highlight the work still needed to bring about peace, justice, and equity in the world.

Martin Luther King, III, Chairman of the Drum Major Institute stated: “On Juneteenth, we reflect on the progress and struggles of Black and Brown Americans.  My dad’s speech at the March on Washington nearly 60 years ago was a profound moment in American history. Despite the significant progress we have made over these six decades, we need to rededicate ourselves to the mission my dad gave his life for.  It is difficult to not be disgruntled with everything going on in the world.  Black and Brown Americans are the target of violence, and our most vulnerable citizens are losing hope that brighter days are ahead. We have to do better. We have to hold our elected leaders accountable, and this anniversary gives us the opportunity to not just commemorate his historic calling, but to continue his efforts to make life better for everyone.”

We're halfway through August, which means that the 2023 March on Washington – a continuation of Dr. King’s original march 60 years ago – is just over one week away. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s march: It’s not a commemoration – it’s a continuation. We’re still fighting many of the same fights from six decades ago: Civil rights. Police violence. Voting rights. We’ve made progress – but we still have a long way to go. People are coming from every corner of the country to join us on Saturday, August 26. Students, churches, families, activists, elected officials, labor, national organizations – a diverse coalition representing various racial and religious backgrounds will be there to march for our collective rights. We need your assistance to make it happen. From buses to help secure transportation, to signs and supplies for the march, this is one of our biggest actions of the year. Whether it’s attending the demonstration, telling your family and friends, or donating as little as $5.00 to NAN, your support is crucial. Watch our video on this year’s March on Washington, share with your friends – and then chip in to help us reach our fundraising goal and make this pivotal march a success. Thank you, National Action Network Arndrea Waters King, wife of Martin Luther King III and President of the Drum Major Institute stated: “The struggles Black and Brown Americans, particularly women and girls, faced 60 years ago are, in many ways, still prevalent today.  Dr. King called on us all to work to eradicate the triple evils of racism, poverty and violence by standing for peace, justice and equity.  As a mother, I’m afraid for my teenage daughter, but I am empowered to use my voice to ensure her future, and the future of all young girls, is as bright as her grandfather dreamed. Juneteenth reminds us that there is no challenge too big for us to overcome when we use our collective voices to bring about the change we need.  This August, we are inviting people from all over the world, from all walks of life, to join us in Washington, DC to call for action. Too many politicians have made Black and Brown Americans’ and marginalized groups’ lives unnecessarily difficult. It won’t be easy, but if we use our voices for good, change will happen, and this is our time to demand it.  It’s our turn to help realize the Dream and make democracy for all a reality.” “The March on Washington will not just be a commemoration but a continuation of what Dr. King and our predecessors started,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, President and Founder of the National Action Network (NAN). “We must remember why we are still marching: the civil rights of Black, Brown, Asian, Jewish, LGBTQ Americans and women are under relentless attack. There is a concerted effort to undermine our democracy. There are many working week by week to peel away these rights, take away our history, or stop us from celebrating holidays like Juneteenth. I am honored to stand with the King family as we bring together these groups for a historic, cross-cultural and cross-generational demonstration to show that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. Together, we will show the nation the strength in our unity and our resolve to realize Dr. King’s dream of a fair nation for all of us.” NAN, along with other partner organizations, has arranged for free buses leaving from various cities throughout the US: NAN HEADQUARTERS:   www.Nationalactionnetwork.net or call 212.690.3070 For information on buses in other cities also contact: 212.690.3070 Philadelphians can pre-register by contacting Philadelphia NAN:  215.696.0424 According to Rev. Jerome Fordham, of PHILADELPHIA NAN, "Our chapter will have buses leaving from Rev. Leon Sullivan's Progress Plaza, 1501 N. Broad St.,(near Jefferson St),  Philadelphia, promptly at 6:00AM.  Passengers are required to be there for check in no later than 5:45AM.  The bus will be leaving on time.  If you get there by 6:01, you will not be on the bus," he stated emphatically.  There will be limited accommodations for those who have mobility issues and use wheelchairs or scooters to get around.  The buses are scheduled to return to Philadelphia by 5:00PM." Fordham continued: "The reason why we're having this continuation is because Freedom isn't free!  There is a cost!  Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his life for the cause of all people - Black white, polka dot, grizzly grey if you please.  He gave his life for all people to have a right to sit at the table.  But, as you see from 1963 to now, there were some changes that , in the 60s and the early 70s, but things have started sliding back over the last few years.  We made a lot of progress, but it seems that the older people have been holding it down for the last thirty, forty, fifty years; but the younger ones don't seem to want to pick up the mantle.  You must realize that if you don't understand history, you are doomed to repeat it - and these folks are not playing.  Look at the handwriting on the wall.  Think about it! If that young girl hadn't had her cell phone camera on when George Floyd was murdered, there would never have been a trial when he was brutally murdered.  These people are serious.  They want to wipe us out.  We can't sit on the sidelines and sleep through these threats.  VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!  There's no time to be playing around.  These folks are serious.   And we can't sleep on it!" The 2023 MLK CONTINUATION March will be co-chaired by: AAJC Anti-Defamation League Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Legal Defense Fund NAACP National Coalition on Black Civic Participation National Council of Negro Women National Urban League UNIDOS The coalition will gather at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The pre-program for the event will begin at 8:00 a.m. ET with the main program beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. Following the program, a march will begin through the streets of the Nation’s Capitol. For additional information, tune in on Saturday morning, August 19, 2023, for the NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK Where the Action Is broadcast 9:00 - 11:00AM  on YouTube, FaceBook, and their website: www.nationalactionnetwork.net  to get the latest updates from Rev. Al Sharpton. FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND, BUT WANT TO SUPPORT THE MARCH, YOUR DONATIONS ARE MUCH NEEDED AND APPRECIATED - click on the donate button below: DONATE Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences

It is imperative that we do not sit idly by while our freedoms are being ripped away from us, our children are in peril, our men and women become the target of malicious assaults, our history is being distorted or deleted; our teachers are under siege, our youth are being brainwashed, and we are being deprived of our rights to vote, freedom of speech, and tactics reminiscent of nazi Germany.  When no one else will save us, it is up to us to save ourselves!

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

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