March on Washington, 1963

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, or "The Great March on Washington," was one of the largest political rallies for human rights in United States history. On August 27, 1963, approximately 250,000 people set their sights on Washington in the name of civil and economic rights for African Americans. The following day, August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famed speech, "I Have a Dream," calling for an end to racism. This movement was credited with helping to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and inspiring the Selma to Montgomery marches which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Bennington Banner (Vermont), Thursday, August 29, 1963, fourteen pages. Front page features headlines concerning the March on Washington, including: "Civil Rights Problem: / Turn Drama into Action," in part: "The historic civil rights march on Washington - massive and orderly and moving - has dramatized the wants of Negroes in America, but leaders still faced the task of trying to turn drama into action"; and "March Was Eloquent Testimony / To New Era in Race Relations," in part: "Beginning shortly after 11 a.m. and continuing well after the singing and the oratory started at about 1 p.m., thousands of Americans from every corner of the land took their turn to walk down Independence or Constitution Avenue in the heart of Government Washington."

Other headlines throughout include: "The 'March' Was A Success"; "Civil Rights March Won't Likely Impress Congress"; "Realities of the 60s Can No Longer Be Concealed Behind an Affluent Front."

Measuring approximately 16.25 x 22.5, this vintage newspaper is in fine condition, with light toning along the edges, and a small piece of adhesive at the top edge, and a tear to one of the middle pages.