Now Is the Time: Remembering the Legacy of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

Now Is the Time: Remembering the Legacy of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom presented during the 60th anniversary year of the March, seeks to transport you to August 28, 1963, when 250,000 Americans of all backgrounds and all parts of the country gathered on the National Mall to demand civil and economic rights. In its aftermath, the March would come to “transform the national landscape” and provide Americans with a new concept of the American dream, as defined by Dr. Martin Luther King’s soaring, iconic and improvised words: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” 

Case Descriptions

Case – Why We March?

These artifacts highlight organizing materials for the March and protestor demands. 

Archival Materials on display: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom: Organizing Manual No. 1

Provides background information on the March such as: 

  • Who is Sponsoring the March  
  • Why We March  
  • Our Demands  
  • How Our Demands Will be Presented in Congress

Case – Planning / Logistics  

These artifacts highlight the extensive planning behind the event.  

Archival Materials on Display: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom: Contact Sheet of National Leaders 

Document provides direct contact information for the National Leaders:

  • Dr. King  
  • Whitney Young 
  • James Famer  

Case – “Normalcy Never Again”

Dr. King originally wrote “Normalcy, Never Again” for the March. Drawing upon his tremendous skills as an orator and preacher, he improvised many phrases that became the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. This original draft is one of the primary Collection highlights.  

Images from the March on Washington