The March on Washington

Success and Sorrow

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom broke the record for the largest civil rights demonstration with almost 250,000 people. About 70% were black, and 30% were white or other races. They all had the same goal: equality for everyone. There was no violence. Those who walked, stood, and sang together felt a deep sense of unity.

Thousands of people watched the live coverage on TV, and it was the first time many of them had ever seen Martin Luther King Jr. speak. His speech made so many feel so proud of America.

Despite the successful march, some lawmakers in the South were against the civil rights bill, and dragged their feet, keeping it from going to a vote for months.

Less than three weeks after the march, an act of racial violence shocked the world. White supremacists bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. Four young black girls were killed. Two months later, in November 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson became president, and he worked hard to pass the civil rights bill, and on July 2, 1964, the Civil Rights Act became law. It outlawed discrimination in all public places, such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and theaters, required public schools no longer be segregated, and made it illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.

But things still did not change overnight. Civil rights activists continued to organize and lead civil disobedience, economic protests, and legal battles. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed, preventing states from making people pass literacy tests before they could vote. On April 11, 1968, the Fair Housing Act was passed, making it illegal to discriminate when renting or selling property.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. never saw the Fair Housing Act enacted, for he was assassinated April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. Although the civil rights movement had lost one of their strongest voices, they knew they had to continue without him. The courageous acts of civil disobedience led the way for new generations to continue fighting inequality.

Melody’s Story Continues

Val, Yvonne, and Melody walk along a street in Birmingham, Alabama Suddenly, Val stops. She points to an ice cream parlor at the end of the block. Val explains that before they left for Detroit, there was a sign in the window that said “Whites Only.” But now, the sign is gone. Yvonne reminds Melody that discrimination against black people is illegal now that the Civil Rights Act was passed. Now, they can shop anywhere.

Melody suggests they get some ice cream, and she and Yvonne start walking. Val is hesitant. What if they still won’t serve them? Yvonne says they have to. As they enter the shop, Melody feels like this is about more than just ice cream. It’s about justice and fairness and more changes that will keep making things better.