The MLK holiday reminds me of the hot August day in 1963 when I walked with thousands of people from Union Station in Washington to the Lincoln Monument. We were careful to walk only on the sidewalks and we sang, "we shall overcome". There were no police dogs or fire hoses brought out to stop us but the police force was on high alert as they lined the curb to ensure that none of us left the sidewalk or became unruly.
Did the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 have an impact? I like to think so. There are still plenty of problems but it was encouraging to me that the man elected to the job of president in 2008 was judged by the majority by the content of his character rather than the color of his skin.
I never knew that you were in that march!
ReplyDeleteI have a vague recollection that someone famous marched on Ewing Avenue, past our grandparent's house--was that MLK?
Love,
Linda
Yes, that was MLK. Unfortunately I was not living in Chicago at that time so I did not participate in that march. I think I was teaching in Oklahoma.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was looking out of Attic window when he marched by and the police were looking up at me with suspicion. Jerry Fink who lived above Velchek's was arrested for something that day and there were many very terrible people on the sidelines shouting insults and I don't think you would have enjoyed that march. L.S.
ReplyDeleteI was in LA and didn't know you then. We had a great mix of good people in our Cal State College at the time. I didn't even know what freedoms my friends didn't have. Glad you were there I would have cheered you on had I known you. Love R
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