As DCist previously noted, Saturday’s March on Washington anniversary event was populated by a huge variety of people who each came to D.C. for different reasons, both political and personal. Below is a collection of thoughts from those who attended the Realize the Dream March and Rally.
“Jobs, equality and rights are still a big issue in this country. … I’m definitely impressed with the turnout and the support. Hopefully, we can galvanize everyone to get change like we did back 50 years ago and not just let it be lip service.” — Gloria Washington, Atlanta, Ga. to Sarah Anne Hughes
“I think somebody said today to not let it be a moment, but a movement. We feel like we weren’t here for the first March, so this was very important.” — Janice Ingle, Atlanta, Ga. to Sarah Anne Hughes
“I love being here. It’s beautiful. It’s historic. I talked to a gentleman who had attended the original Martin Luther King Speech. I realized that we’re all one family. It gives me hope that a small verbal minority will not hijack this country. We’re not demographics, dammit. We’re citizens of this country. We’ve got to stick together.” — Kathy, Charlottesville, Va. to Val Paschall
“It’s a shame we don’t have speakers [behind the WWII Memorial]. I guess we’ll have to listen online. We have so many issues and we have to show our solidarity. I feel like this is where I have to be. I feel like my single presence is very important.” — Jamel, New York City to to Val Paschall
“You have to be here. I knew I was coming the second I heard about it.” — Jean, Charlotte N.C. to Val Paschall
“I’m here commemorating this historic event that happened in 1963 a year before I was born. It’s inspiring.” — Kecia, Rochester, N.Y. to Matt Cohen
“We’re part of a women’s’ coalition that’s working on getting the Equal Rights Amendment ratified, especially the ERA three-state strategy. … We’re many voices, but one vote. Many people aren’t even aware that there are equal rights for women in the Constitution. … [The March] is wonderful. We’re having fun meeting people one-to-one. … I was 12-years-old during the first [March], so this really means a lot to me.” — Candy Graham, Richmond, Ga. to Sarah Anne Hughes
“I feel blessed to be here with my grandchildren and to share this experience with them. It’s about being united.” — Carmen, D.C. to Val Paschall
“My family was too afraid to come in 1963. Today we’re being a part of history.” — Mrs. Johnson, Atlantic City, N.J. to Matt Cohen
“I was remembering my parents and the struggles they went through. I should be here. There are this many people here and no violence. This is wonderful.” — Donald, Philadelphia, Pa. to Val Paschall.
“It’s a beautiful thing, it’s a beautiful thing. It shows that there is unity. We only have to get the political people to come together and see that there is unity. … I thank God for it, and I thank God that I’m here.” — Ann Clark, Brooklyn, N.Y. to Sarah Anne Hughes
“I remember being younger than they (motions at two twelve-year-olds) were fifty years ago and not being able to go.” — Betty, D.C. to Val Paschall
“When the first March came, I wasn’t even born yet. I’m here now, and I’m standing for justice, equality, good jobs and peace. … I’m hopeful everyday. I can’t give up hope.” — Lavoris Pryor, New York to Sarah Anne Hughes
“It was really important for us to take our children. They may not understand the significance of it now, but they will later.” — Charlene, D.C. to Val Paschall
