Community Corner
March on Washington 50th Anniversary: Event Schedule, Transportation and More
Events include the 'Let Freedom Ring' ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28 featuring a speech by President Barack Obama.
Thousands of visitors will flock to DC in the coming week to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
As part of the historic march a half-century ago, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
“We are calling on people across America and throughout the world to join with us as we pause to mark the 50th anniversary of my father’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech with ‘Let Freedom Ring’ bell-ringing events and programs that affirm the unity of people of all races, religions and nations,” King Center CEO Bernice A. King said in a statement about the commemorative march.
Between now and Wednesday there will be exhibits, commemorative marches, and a presidential address, among other events, to mark the occasion.
One of the hallmark events of the weekend is the 50th Anniversary March on Washington Realize the Dream March and Rally on the National Mall from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The march begins at the Lincoln Memorial and will make its way over to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial for a brief ceremony.
The closing event for the week will be the “Let Freedom Ring” ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28. Scheduled to speak are Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial.
Transportation:
Metro will operate normal weekend service Saturday and Sunday on all rail lines to accommodate the expected crowds. The only exception will be Franconia-Springfield Station, where trains will depart every 24 minutes instead of every 12 to 20 minutes.
Metro created a visitor's brochure for the event.
To attend the 50th Anniversary March on Washington Realize the Dream March and Rally on the National Mall on Saturday, Metro suggests that riders use the following four stations:
- Farragut North (Red Line)
- Farragut West (Orange and Blue Lines)
- Smithsonian (Orange and Blue Lines)
- Arlington Cemetery (Blue Line)
Road Closures:
The National Park Service will close the Arlington Memorial Bridge to vehicles from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday to accommodate crowds for the 50th Anniversary March on Washington Realize the Dream March and Rally.
Full Schedule of Events:
Thursday, Aug. 22
Celebrating the Legacy of Youth in the Movement
10th Annual Black Youth Vote! National Civic Leadership & Organizing Training Conference
Highlights: Unity Breakfast, Tribute to Jamaal Rose, Issue Organizing Breakouts, Regional/State-Based Organizing Strategy Sessions
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10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
National Education Association, 1201 16th St. NW, Washington, DC
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Registration Required
Hosted by National Coalition on Black Civic Participation- Black Youth Vote! in partnership w/ NAACP, NEA, Generational Alliance, NAN Youth Move, The Praxis Project, NUL Young Professionals, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., BK Nation, 100 Black Men of America, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Advocates for Youth, IMPACT, NAFEO (List in formation)
Primary contact: Lisa Bediako or Jessica Brown, blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org, (202) 659-4929
Celebrating the Legacy of Women in the Movement
Women Leaders of the Movement: Past, Present & Future
Intergenerational Dialogue & Luncheon
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Capitol Hill, Cannon Building, Cannon Caucus Room
Invitation Required
Primary contact: Carlottia Scott or Faith Bynoe, bwrunity@ncbcp.org, (202) 659-4929
Pre-March Rally Sign Making Party
Noon
Freedom Plaza, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Come Make Statehood and Self Determination Signs for the DC Statehood Rally and March
Celebrating the Legacy of A. Philip Randolph & Bayard Rustin
44th Annual A. Philip Randolph Institute National Conference
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
Hosted by A. Philip Randolph Institute
Primary contact: Jan Temple, jtemple@apri.org, (202) 508-3710
A. Philip Randolph Institute 44th National Youth Education Conference
Noon to 5:45 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
Hosted by A. Philip Randolph Institute
Primary contact: Brittany Stanton, Brittaney.Stanton@gmail.com, (202) 202-508-3174
Tribute to Walter Fauntroy & Celebration of DC Statehood
6 p.m.
Tony Cheng’s, 619 H St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Contact: Johnny Barnes 202-841-6321
Covering Civil Rights: On the Front Lines Reflections on the March on Washington and I Have a Dream Speech 50 Years Later: A Conversation with Simeon Booker, author, “Shocking the Conscience” Special appearance by Rev. Bernice A. King
7 to 9 p.m.
The Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
No cost but registration is required via CoveringCivilRights@eventbrite.com
Capacity: 500 (Theater), 250 (Overflow Area)
Hosted by National Council of Negro Women & The Newseum
Primary contact: Alyce Walker Johnson, awalker@ncnw.org, (202) 737-0120
Friday, Aug. 23
Redeem the Dream National Summit
9:30 a.m. to noon (Doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
The Grand Hyatt, 12 & H streets NW, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public. To register go to www.drummajorsforjustice.com
Hosted by National Urban League & The Memorial Foundation
Primary contact: Rhonda Spears Belle, rspearsbell@nul.org
Separate and Unequaled
9 a.m.
African American Civil War Museum 1925 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Black Baseball in the District of Columbia Meet & Greet with MotorCoach Unveiling
They Were Activists during the Civil Rights Movement
1 p.m.
Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, D.C.
Drum Majors For Justice Future Leaders Celebration
2 to 4 p.m.
Freedom Plaza, 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public. Hosted by National Urban League & The Memorial Foundation
Primary contact: Rhonda Spears Belle, rspearsbell@nul.org
Celebrating the Legacy of Youth in the Movement
10th Annual Black Youth Vote! National Civic Leadership & Organizing Training Conference
Highlights: Unity Breakfast, Gathering of Black Men “I Am Trayvon” Dialogue, Sister Circles Training Breakouts, Direct Action
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
National Education Association, 1201 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.ncbcp.org
Hosted by National Coalition on Black Civic Participation in partnership w/ NAACP, NEA, Generational Alliance, NAN Youth Move in partnership w/The Praxis Project, NUL Young Professionals, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, BK Nation, 100 Black Men of America, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Advocates for Youth, IMPACT, NAFEO (List in formation)
Primary contact: Lisa Bediako or Jessica Brown, blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org, (202) 659-4929
Celebrating the Legacy of A. Philip Randolph & Bayard Rustin
44th Annual A. Philip Randolph Institute National Conference
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
Hosted by A. Philip Randolph Institute
Primary contact: Jan Temple, jtemple@apri.org, (202) 508-3710
A. Philip Randolph Institute 44th National Youth Education Conference
Noon to 5:45 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
Hosted by A. Philip Randolph Institute
Primary contact: Brittany Stanton, Brittaney.Stanton@gmail.com, (202) 202-508-3174
LGBT Conversation & Reception
4:30pm
Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
Celebrating the Legacy of Youth in the Movement
Youth Mass Meeting & Pre-March Rally
10th Annual Black Youth Vote! Civic Leadership & Organizing Training Conference
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Howard University (tentative), Washington, D.C.
Open to the public.
Hosted by National Coalition on Black Civic Participation in partnership w/APRI, NAACP, NEA, Generational Alliance, NAN Youth Move, The Praxis Project, NUL Young Professionals, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., BK Nation, 100 Black Men of America, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (List in formation)
Primary contact: Lisa Bediako or Jessica Brown, blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org, (202) 659-4929
National Town Hall Meeting on Poverty & Economic Empowerment
Moving Together, Moving Forward: Jobs and Freedom
57th Annual SCLC International Convention
Race & Poverty Panel: 2 to 4 p.m.
Voting Rights Panel: 5 to 7 p.m.
Grand Hyatt, 1000 H St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public.
Hosted by Southern Christian Leadership Conference in partnership w/ SCLC Poverty Institute, Rainbow PUSH
Primary contact: Damien Alexander, daconne17@gmail.com, (404) 522-1420
Mayor Vincent C. Gray & Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC, 50th Anniversary March on Washington Welcome Reception
6 to 9 p.m.
The Willard Intercontinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Invitation Required
Hosted by Mayor Vincent C. Gray, U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Uptown Magazine, DestinationDC, Flow
Primary contacts: Daryl R. Levine, daryl.levine@dc.gov, (202) 727-6263 or Cynthia Brock-Smith, cynthia.brocksmith@dc.gov, 202-727-6306
Saturday, Aug.24
50th Anniversary March on Washington National Action to Realize the Dream March & Rally - “Jobs, Justice, Peace & Freedom”
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public
Primary contact: Janaye Ingram, jingram@nationalactionnetwork.net, (202) 293-3232
March on Washington 50th Anniversary Family Day Program
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW
Commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington during this event for the whole family presented by the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Tour the exhibition "One Life: Martin Luther King Jr." to learn more about the civil rights leader and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, enjoy vocal performances by Kim and Reggie Harris, story reading, and participate in hands-on activities such as slogan button-making. The event is free and open to families.
Global Freedom Festival
2 to 7 p.m.
The National Mall, 7th & 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public
Celebrating the Legacy of A. Philip Randolph & Bayard Rustin
44th Annual A. Philip Randolph Institute National Conference
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
A. Philip Randolph Institute 44th National Youth Education Conference
Noon to 5:45 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
Film Festival
4 p.m.
African American Civil War Museum, 1925 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Peace Music
6 p.m.
15th Street Presbyterian Church, 1705 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Global Freedom Festival
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The National Mall, 7th & 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public.
SCLC Worship Service
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public.
Celebrating the Legacy of A. Philip Randolph & Bayard Rustin
44th Annual A. Philip Randolph Institute National Conference
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
A. Philip Randolph Institute 44th National Youth Education Conference
Highlights: “We Got Next” Youth Activism: Panel & Forum
9 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
Drum Circle: “Drumming 4 Justice”
3:30 p.m.
Malcolm X (Meridian Hill) Park
Monday, Aug. 26
Global Freedom Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The National Mall
7th & 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public.
Celebrating the Legacy of A. Philip Randolph & Bayard Rustin
44th Annual A. Philip Randolph Institute National Conference
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
A. Philip Randolph Institute 44th National Youth Education Conference
Highlight: Obamacare Forum Health Summit
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
Discussion: What Dr. King’s Legacy Teaches about Guns?
4 p.m.
First Congregation United Church of Christ, 945 G St. NW, Washington, D.C.
1963: Raising the Conscience of a Nation
5:30 p.m.
Law Offices of Hogan Lovells, 555 13th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Bayard Rustin Commemoration
7 to 9 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
SCLC Legacy & Leadership Gala
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Capital Hilton, 1001 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to: www.sclc.org
Tuesday, Aug. 27
K-12th Grade Educational Initiative
Grades K through 8: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Grades 9 through 12: 9 to 11 a.m.
Will be accessible via online streaming.
Global Freedom Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The National Mall, 7th & 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public
Celebrating the Legacy of A. Philip Randolph & Bayard Rustin
44th Annual A. Philip Randolph Institute National Conference
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
To register go to www.apri.org
Wednesday, Aug. 28
Interfaith Service
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Invitation Required
“Let Freedom Ring” Commemoration & Closing Ceremony
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bells will be ringing across the United States and World at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Open to the public.
The Life and Legacy of Bayard Rustin: How an African American gay man became the lead organizer of the 1963 Civil Rights March of Washington
7 p.m. - Reception to follow
HRC Equality Forum, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Moderator: Earl D. Fowlkes Jr., president and CEO, the Center for Black Equity
Panelist: U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC, friend & colleague to Mr. Rustin during 1963 March on Washington (tentative)
Panelist: Mandy Carter, National Coordinator, Bayard Rustin Commemoration, National Black Justice Coalition. Damien Conners, National Executive Director/COO for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Inc (SCLC). MacArthur Flournoy, theologian, author, and preacher is the Director for Faith Partnership and Mobilization for the Human Rights Campaign.
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