Stand Up to Racism and March: The Martin Luther King National March
On August 5, 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with a diverse group of 700 civil rights activists, religious leaders, and courageous community members from across the city, marched to Chicago's Marquette Park where they confronted thousands of violent protesters who hurled rocks, bottles, and carried denigrating signs and messages. King would describe the crowds that day as some of the most "hostile and hate-filled" he had ever seen.
On that August day, Dr. King and the freedom marchers were challenging Chicago residents and the country to confront the systemic racism and violent practices that sought to keep black families out of urban neighborhoods like Marquette Park.
On behalf of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Memorial Project, Father Tony Pizzo, O.S.A., and the Augustinians - especially the Saint Rita of Cascia Parish Community - invites you to be a part of a Commemorative March to recognize Chicago's first permanent memorial to Dr. King at the site of this historic march that took place 50 years ago to the day.
The march will take place on Saturday, August 6 at 9:00 am at 63rd S. Kedzie starting with a short presentation and walking to 67th and Kedzie. Recalling the larger legacy of the march - and remembering the struggle for justice, equity, and racial healing - is more urgent now than ever in Chicago, across our nation, and around the world.
We anticipate artists, activists, dignitaries and members of the community to join us for this event and hope you can join us as well.
Please let The Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Memorial Project know if you can join by emailing them or by calling 312-573-5434.
