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The IAM joined thousands of labor, civil rights and religious activists on the National Mall to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington. This event was an opportunity to not only celebrate that historic march but also to reflect on the progress made toward civil equality in the last 60 years and renew our dedication to continuing the work of Dr. King, A. Philip Randolph and more.
In 1963, the march that was spearheaded by the legendary Martin Luther King Jr. and Bayard Rustin and backed by labor leader A. Philip Randolph, was an essential moment in the history of the United States.
The movement was instrumental in passing the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Now, on the 60th anniversary of that historic march, the aim is not only to educate a new generation but also to foster unity in a nation that has been deeply divided.
IAM members from Maine, Georgia, Maryland, and Canada attended the march to promote peace, justice and understanding.
“We believe that as Machinists and union workers, we need to support and join in solidarity with the civil rights movement,” said IAM Local S6 member John Cabral. “We drove for 12 hours because we strongly believe in this great cause.”
The five-hour program that preceded the march featured inspiring labor, civil rights, and religious speakers who touched on important issues, including systemic racism and inequality.
More than half a century after Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, the March on Washington’s 60th anniversary is a poignant measure of how much work has yet to be done.
“The struggle for political and economic justice continues today, and that is why IAM members continue to march to advocate that people from all walks of life have a fair shot at the American dream of good union jobs,” said IAM Women’s and Human Rights Director Julie Frietchen.
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