SNOHOMISH COUNTY— There are three separate events and programs scheduled for Aug. 26-28 that will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. The official title of the series of events is the 60th Anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom-Not A Commemoration but A Continuation.
The commemorative event series kicks off Aug. 26, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the courthouse steps of the Snohomish County Courthouse, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. The program will feature guest speakers, and a performance of the Black National Anthem. Local youth will also speak about their recent educational visit to Washington, D.C.
Confirmed speakers are Dr. Paul Stoot of Rise Up Academy; state Rep. Brandy Donaghy; Jasmine M. Kilpatrick, the President, Boeing Black Employees Association; DanVo’nique Bletson-Reed the President of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee; and state Sen. John Lovick.
Aug. 27 and 28
On Aug. 27, at various churches in Snohomish County, local clergy will speak, and churches will feature special presentations during worship services, focusing on the iconic history and impact of the 1963 March on Washington.
On Aug. 28, an Anniversary Virtual Program will broadcast Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s inspirational, history-making “I Have a Dream” speech delivered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. Find more information on that through www.naacp-snoco.org
“The March on Washington was a great success as it led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” Raymond Miller, CEO of Vets Place Northwest, said in a press release, calling it an opportunity to reflect and also on what still needs to be done for equality.
“While the march demanded equal rights and human dignity, it is important to recognize that many of the issues that were raised in 1963 are still being fought for by Black people today.” — from NAACP of Snohomish County
