Source: Universal History Archive / Getty
The Make Good Trouble Rally and March On For Voting Rights are just two of the events in Washington D.C. on Saturday, Aug. 28. The Make Good Trouble Rally kicks off at 11 am at the Washington memorial.
Considered a pivotal day in Black history, Aug. 28 marks several of the most memorable 20th and 21st centuries events, including the 1963 March on Washington.
Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter Fund, told NewsOne there is no competition between the events. Converging on Washington, D.C., particularly on the anniversary of the March on Washington, is a time-honored tradition. Albright said the organizing in the original spirit of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was important to “make the connection between why voting rights is so important.”
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“Although voting rights is obviously near and dear to our hearts that Black Voters Matter, “Albright explained. “We didn’t want it to just be about voting rights…But it’s because it’s through voting that we’re able to get action on whatever other items are on our agenda.”
Like the 1963 march, the Make Good Trouble Rally has 10 demands, including restoring voting rights, granting D.C. statehood, ending the filibuster, reversing climate change, and building a green economy.
Also taking place Saturday, the March On For Voting Rights will kick off its march in the District of Columbia at 9:45 am, leaving McPherson Square Park. Organizers in dozens of cities will join the national March On For Voting Rights.
A march for jobs and freedom, the 1963 March on Washington was envisioned by union leader A. Philip Randolph and executed by civil rights strategist Bayard Rustin. Voting rights is a pressing issue weighing on the conscience of people across the country. Congressional action is necessary, but it may require the president to take more decisive action than a few speeches.
As previously reported by NewsOne, the House passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement along party lines. The landmark bill would restore and expand the full power of the Voting Rights Act.
Source: Several Events Commemorate The Importance of August 28 In Black History
