Dana Abdullah

Eng. 1201-5B3
Cassel
23-June 2016
The Fiftieth Anniversary of March on Washington Speech
At President Obama began the speech giving background on the United States
Constitutions phrase We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created
equal and its meaning. He then gave background on the civil rights movement and how
the truths of the constitution were unmet during the 1960s. He gave a description of the
participants of the March on Washington, which included African Americans and
Caucasians, from various professions and walks of life.

The president referred to Dr. Martin Luther King as the great emancipator. The
president acknowledged not only Dr. King, but also, all those who suffered injustice due
to their race who were not as highly regarded as Dr. King. The horrors that African
Americans were subjected to was described; such as being tormented by segregation,
having no rights, being attacked with water hoses, enduring beatings and multiple other
indignities. Although the oppressed could have lashed out violently they chose to take a
non-violent approach.

The president spoke of the volunteer participants courage by quoting Frederick Douglas
saying freedom is not given it must be won by discipline, persistence and faith.

He described characteristics of each area and how change occurred due to those who
marched. The marchers were able to tear down the wall of racism so the country could
move forward progressively. He mentioned how even the White House has changed due
to the marchers perseverance.

The President encouraged the younger generation to appreciate the generation of

civil rights activist that made the country a better place with their actions. He listed a few
of the activist calling them heroes and mentioning that they did not die in vain. After
giving more detail about Dr. Kings dream and vision which included African Americans
goal of securing employment, having access to affordable housing and many freedoms
that Caucasians enjoyed.

The presidents speech was summed up with discussing how the spirit of the civil
rights activist directly correlates with todays societal struggles. He encouraged the
country to stand together in the face of the multiple adversities we face today with the
same courage the generation of the 1960s had.

Works Cited

Obama, Barack. "The Fiftieth Anniversary of the March on Washington." Lincoln

Memorial. 28 August 2013. Speech