You Won't Believe the Impact of the March on Washington in August 1963: A Time for Kids Nonfiction

The Historic and Inspiring March on Washington

On August 28, 1963, one of the most significant events in the history of the United States took place. Known as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, it was a historic civil rights demonstration that drew over 250,000 people to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This influential moment marked a turning point in the fight for racial equality and played a crucial role in the eventual passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Let's dive into the details of this unforgettable and impactful event!

The Key Figures of the March

The March on Washington was organized by a coalition of civil rights, labor, and religious organizations, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Some of the notable figures who played a crucial role in organizing and leading the march include:

You Are There! March on Washington, August 28, 1963 (Time for Kids Nonfiction Readers)

by Jim Maccracken (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17868 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: The iconic civil rights leader delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the march, which emphasized the need for racial harmony and equality.
• A. Philip Randolph: An influential labor leader and civil rights activist who proposed the idea of a mass gathering to advocate for civil rights.
• John Lewis: A prominent civil rights activist who later became a U.S. Congressman. Lewis was the chairman of SNCC and one of the ten speakers during the march.
• Whitney M. Young Jr.: The executive director of the National Urban League, who played a pivotal role in organizing the march and broadening its focus beyond civil rights specifically to include economic and social issues.

The Objectives of the March

The March on Washington aimed to advocate for several key demands, including:

1. Passage of meaningful civil rights legislation.
2. Elimination of racial segregation in public schools.
3. Protection of civil rights activists from police brutality.
4. Implementation of a fair minimum wage.
5. Job training programs for the unemployed.
6. Desegregation of all public facilities.
7. Guaranteeing the right to vote for all Americans.

The Impact and Legacy

The March on Washington had an immense impact on American society and politics. Not only did it showcase the power and unity of the civil rights movement, but it also helped to shift public opinion in favor of passing significant civil rights legislation. Just over a year later, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, banning racial segregation in public places and employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

The march is also remembered for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech, which remains one of the most influential and inspiring speeches in history. His dream of a future where all Americans would be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin resonated deeply with people around the world and continues to inspire generations today.

The legacy of the March on Washington continues to be celebrated and commemorated. In 2011, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was unveiled near the National Mall, honoring his leadership and the enduring spirit of the civil rights movement. The march serves as a reminder of the power of peaceful demonstrations and the ability of individuals to come together and effect positive change.

The March on Washington in August 1963 was a historic event that left an indelible mark on American history. It brought together hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life who were united in their pursuit of equality and justice. Its impact can still be felt today as we continue the ongoing fight for civil rights. Let us learn from the lessons of the march and strive to create a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

You Are There! March on Washington, August 28, 1963 (Time for Kids Nonfiction Readers)

by Jim Maccracken (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17868 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

On August 28, 1963, some 250,000 people came together in the name of equality for African Americans. They marched peacefully from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial in the hope of spreading their message to the nation and the world. It was a momentous, triumphant, and historic day in the United States. Featuring TIME content, this nonfiction e-book builds critical literacy skills while engaging students and enriching content-area instruction. Developed by Timothy Rasinski-a leading expert in reading research-this purposefully leveled text guides students to increased fluency and comprehension of nonfiction text. The complex text structure adds rigor and allows students to delve deeply into the subject matter. The images support the text in abstract ways to challenge students to think more deeply about the topics and develop their higher-order thinking skills. Informational text features include a table of contents, sidebars, captions, bold font, an extensive glossary, and a detailed index to further understanding and build academic vocabulary. The Reader''s Guide and Try It! culminating activity require students to connect back to the text, and provide opportunities for further language-development activities. Aligned with state standards, this text connects with McREL, WIDA/TESOL standards and prepares students for college and career.