March on Washington 2020

The March on Washington 2020--held on the 57th anniversary of the historic 1963--had different emphases.  In 1963, it was a march "for jobs and freedom" in the Civil Rights era.  As such, it was for voting rights.  In 2020, it was against rampant and open police violence against Black people, and promoted the exercise of those voting rights in the 2020 election.  And of course, the most conspicuous difference--the social distancing and the masks of the covid crisis.

But this march was also conscious of its predecessor, right down to the design of the some of the signs (like the one above) which is the same design as signs in the 1963 march.  Mostly this continuity was expressed by young people who consciously see themselves as heirs to the struggle.  That includes one of its very impressive speakers, Ayanna Pressley, Representative from Massachusetts, but even younger activists and supporters.

I was 17 when I marched in the 1963 March on Washington.  If someone asked me today if I'd ever had a religious experience, that day would be the first candidate that comes to mind.  It gladdens me to see a new generation both taking on these responsibilities and maintaining this connection.