NCBW commemorates the 63rd anniversary of the historic March on Washington

Press release from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Greater Gainesville, FL Chapter

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Greater Gainesville, FL Chapter pauses to commemorate the historic March on Washington. Organized by Asa Phillip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, the March on Washington demonstrated the power of peaceful protest and is now an iconic moment in American history.

Sixty-three years ago, on August 28, 1963, some 250,000 people gathered at the nation’s capital to peacefully protest racial discrimination and economic inequality. The March on Washington was more than a protest or demonstration; it provided the framework for what would become major civil rights legislation – the Civil Rights Act (1964) and, ultimately, the Voting Rights Act (1965). 

Today, we are fueled by the energy generated from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s most famous speech, “I Have a Dream”, which was the highlight of the March on Washington. And we are committed to continued advocacy for access, representation, and economic justice. 

Over the past three months, we have used our collective voices to increase voter registration, education, awareness, and participation. From producing a video, “Why We Vote” – a series of shared experiences that fuel our commitment to voting to phone canvassing and partnering with local organizations to “Get Out the Vote,” the 100 Black Women of Greater Gainesville proudly answers the clarion call to action – the call to defend the vote.