On August 28, 1963, a massive gathering of about 250,000 marchers, peaceful and focused, gathered on The Mall of Washington, D.C. to make a point to the U.S. Congress, and indeed, to the whole country, that jobs and freedom were the rights of everyone. African-Americans and civil rights supporters listened to community leaders make riveting and moving speeches on the importance of honoring the civil rights of all citizens.
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the final scheduled speaker of the day. But history has moved his to the forefront of great historical speeches given in this country.
Hear the full text of his ‘I have a Dream” speech.
Listen to the full text of the other main speakers here:
A. Philip Randolph, president, American Negro Labor Council
John Lewis, national chairman, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Roy Wilkins, executive secretary, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Whitney M. Young Jr. executive director, National Urban League
