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), Tuesday, August 27, 1963, ten pages. Headline on front page reads: "March on Washington: Hope and Uncertainty," in part: "Leaders continued to pledge calm and dignity for their massive civil rights march on Washington Wednesday. But apprehension still hung in the air - about transportation, about the uncertainty of numbers, about an unexpected spark of violence." 

Other headlines include: "Area Marchers Head For Capital"; "Lodge's Arrival Fails To Alter Saigon Scene"; "Viet Nam Trouble Seen Not All Regime's Fault"; "Miners Trapped Underground Two Weeks Rescued in Good Health"; "Boston Rights Marchers Number More Than 1,000."

Measuring approximately 16.25 x 22.5, this vintage newspaper is in fine condition, with light toning along the edges and back page partially detached.