On a hot Wednesday afternoon in August 1963, thousands of Americans from all parts of the nation converged on the Washington Mall, determined in mind and spirit, demonstrating collectively for jobs, freedom, and equality. This day would go down in history as the pivotal March on Washington and culminate in the delivery of the now famous “I Have A Dream” by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This summer will mark the 50th anniversary of that momentous event…were you there?
UNC-TV is seeking first-person accounts from North Carolinians who participated in the legendary March on Washington, which took place on Wednesday August 28, 1963. We want to know how you got there, what you experienced, was it life-changing or did it help you to make a difference in your community? From the child who was carried in her mother’s arms to the day’s young civil rights leaders and working class adults, every person present contributed to the overall spirit and energy of the movement, and it is important to acknowledge each one. Among those, however, are some very special stories.
Thanks to a PBS grant, UNC-TV has an opportunity to capture a few of these special stories on video to share as local/national content online through the PBS Black Culture Connection hub and on-air.
If you participated in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, please sign the North Carolina March on Washington Roll Book by submitting your first, middle and last name (including maiden name), city of residence at the time of the March, current age, race or ethnic affiliation, whether you attended as a child, college student, or adult, and your current age (optional).
To be considered for the video feature, please submit all the information outlined above as well as a working telephone number and email address to contact you and, if possible two to three sentences about your journey to the March, your experience there, and any lasting impact.
Ensure that the March on Washington — the people, the purpose, the lasting impact — will be remembered into time…share your story.
For additional information or to submit your name, please contact:
Deborah Holt Noel
Producer, UNC-TV
919-549-7166 office
dnoel@unctv.org
Martha Brown
Production Associate
251-481-5679
encreel@gmail.com
The above commentary was submitted by Rev. Martha Brown of Greenville, NC. Please make your voice heard; participate in this special opportunity today!
-Willona Stallings, PHW Program Coordinator
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