Al Sharpton is organizing a new March on Washington, set to take place on the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic demonstration.
What We Know:
- The Reverend Al Sharpton announced on Thursday that he is organizing a March on Washington. He made the announcement while speaking at the memorial service for George Floyd.
- The march will take place on August 28th, the 57th anniversery of the original March on Washington led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, where he delivered his “I Have Dream” speech.
- More than 200,000 people participated in the original March on Washington and brought nationwide attention to labor and civil rights.
- Martin Luther King III attended the memorial service and will be involved in planning the march.
- The march is to be led “families that have suffered this, and know the pain”, including the families of George Floyd and Eric Garner.
- This announcement has raised health and safety concerns similar to those surrounding nationwide protests, with public health officials advising against large public gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“One of the things King’s dream was about was voting rights and gives us like 90 days before the election and a great emphasis on that, which you’re going to, in order to change laws, you’ve got to impact lawmakers and they get elected in November. … Otherwise it’s for nothing.” – Rev. Al Sharpton
Sharpton ended his speech by calling for an 8 minute and 46 second moment of silence – the same amount of time George Floyd was pinned to the ground.
