In the years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech to over 200,000 people gathered on the National Mall, the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom has become one of the most iconic events of the civil rights movement. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of the march, activists are once again calling on Americans to demonstrate for racial and economic justice. Stressing the work that still needs to be done on issues from voting rights to gun violence to access to jobs, the National Action Network has organized the “National Action to Realize the Dream March” for August 24. Four days later, President Obama will commemorate Dr. King’s famous speech with his own on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
As part of our coverage of the anniversary, we’re asking readers of all ages to share their thoughts and experiences. Were you at the march itself or do you have memories from that day? Did you participate in one of the anniversary demonstrations? Are you marching (physically or virtually) this August? Let us know here. We’ll publish the best responses at TheNation.com.