(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . 2026 March on Washington’s timely theme: “Defend the Vote and Democracy” [1] ['Greg Dworkin', 'A Pagan In Arizona', 'Chloris Creator'] Date: 2026-08-21 Hello all! I sent this via email letter to my many family and friends near and far – all around the country. I’m now sharing it with you all here on Daily Kos to remind you all of the upcoming March on Washington 2026 (on 8/28/26). Included are links for registration, the history, legacy and impact over the last 63 years. In addition, of many great contributors to the Civil Rights Movement, I mention specifically a couple of the primary architects of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. The need for the March on Washington continues; this year’s theme is “Defend the Vote and Democracy”. Yes, let us do that and Vote. My email to my family, friends – and to you all reading this as well: “I hope this finds you and yours doing well. Are any of you going to the March on Washington next week on August 28, 2026? I hope so. It’s also about defending the vote; our voting rights and democracy is at great risk these days, so please vote in ALL elections. I’m not going to this important event, but I hope that some of you can attend. If you do, share the experience and knowledge and also, register, vote and defend democracy for all. See the links to the websites for next weeks march, to register for this march, as well as links to the history of the original March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom back in 1963 where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his historic speech: I have a Dream and also, the legacy, impact that these marches have had on this country, voting, democracy, etc. over the years – especially relating to the black, brown and poor, working people in the United States. Today, our collective dream should continue to include defending our Civil Rights: voting rights and democracy, etc. Essentially, our human rights as well. Please remind, inform others; share voting information and encourage registration for voting and vote in all elections and defend our democracy. Best regards to all…” … [Poetry2016] Here’s the link to the current March on Washington website if you wish to register for this March: NAN and the King Family Announce March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote https://marchonwashington2026.com/press Artifacts: photos, Notes, flyers, documents, etc. relating to the 1963 March on Washington: Notes on the March on Washington | National Museum of African American History and Culture https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/notes-march-washington March on Washington | National Museum of American History https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/changing-america/online/1963/march-on-washington History of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom: The 1963 March on Washington | NAACP https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/1963-march-washington Historical Legacy of the March on Washington through the years: The Historical Legacy of the March on Washington | National Museum of African American History and Culture https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-march-washington —————————————————————————————————————————- Additional and Historical information and sources about the people who orchestrated MODERN Civil Rights Movement which led to the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. it also reminds us about a few of the many PEOPLE who sacrificed, who contributed greatly to both the Movement and to the March as well. Links to related sources – on the people – included below: A Philip Randolph: Randolph was a super-power during his time. He wore many hats including as a labor and civil rights activist and more. Before the March on Washington, Randolph created, organized and fought for the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and successfully won them better working conditions, better pay. Later, Randolph was ready to have a March on Washington – in 1941 – to fight against discrimination in the defense industries and government. He was so successful by influencing then President Franklin D. Roosevelt, that FDR issued Executive Order 8802 – to prevent the March from taking place and to prevent discrimination in the defense industries and in government. A huge win for Randolph and for Black people and other marginalized people. Randolph also contributed to and participated in the 1963 March on Washington. He greatly influenced Bayard Rustin, who considered Randolph his mentor and he/Rustin, a student of Randolph. See, we can teach and learn from each other to do great things for humanity. That is what they did, taught and learned and then executed powerful marches, movements that effected positive change for a better society for all in the U.S. Bravo! All rise. I thank them both and all the rest who were involved as well. Rustin and Randolph were effective with non violent protests. But, even with non-violent protests – meaning that the protesters are not being violent – that is no guarantee that it will remain non violent. The violence often came not from protesters but from other people attacking the peaceful protesters – even attacking innocent, peaceful, brave children. That is not the fault of the non-violent protester of any march at any time. A. Philip Randolph was an effective, positive influence on Rustin as Rustin continued and carried out a lot of the work that Randolph had started such as preparing, having Marches as peaceful protest to effect change. While FDR prevented Randolph’s march in 1941 – with the executive order – Rustin’s future marches for the modern civil rights movement – including the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom were very effective. Civil Rights laws were born from the culmination of the Civil Rights movement which included the marches as well. Bayard Rustin: I learned about Rustin years ago when I was taking a public speaking course and had to select a topic to speak on. I chose the topic of Civil Rights. Being that Black History was not widely taught in grammar or high school at the time, most of what or who I knew about the March on Washington of 1963 was Martin Luther King, Jr. and some others. During my research for my Public Speaking course speech in College – that is when I also learned more, including about A. Philip Randolph. I also learned that the genius behind the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom – the “architect” who orchestrated the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was Bayard Rustin. Rustin had and successful completed the enormous task of planning and implementing the logistics of people coming from all over the country into Washington, DC. – and also – going back home. When I took an African American History class in college (after the Public Speaking course), my history professor was shocked – and impressed – that I knew about Bayard Rustin and his many contributions to the Civil Rights Movement; my history professor then informed me that sadly a lot of people did not know of Rustin. In learning more about Rustin, I also realize that unfortunately, a lot of people just forgot him and did not try to remember him because of who he was – a gay man. During his labor of love for the Civil Rights Movement – he was often kept hidden so to speak. That is terrible; yet he continued to “march on” with his passion for justice, equality and apparently for his love of humanity. A humanity filled with people who did not always embrace him but accepted his genius. We all benefitted from Rustin. Well, we ALL have this gay man to thank for what he did that uplifted a whole country as it resulted in policy changes, laws under the Civil Rights Act. We have this gay man to thank for his ideas and profound contributions to the Movement via his Marches – especially the March on Washington in 1963. Two ways that I know that am not like Rustin: I’m not gay – and – I am not that brave. He was bold and brave. Rustin contributed in many ways to the Civil Rights Movement. For symbolism, for effect Rustin and Randolph – both supported by others including organizations, groups – “parked” the March at the Lincoln Memorial – for the people to surround the REFLECTING POOL, no less. Beautiful view and beautiful that the marchers – very tired, probably hungry, definitely weary from their travels there and from the unrelenting injustices they all experienced day by day – on that hot summer day they surrounded the REFLECTING POOL as they all faced the monument of President Abraham Lincoln at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Now, we can see why it’s now being defaced under the disguise of restoration (which it now seems more destroyed than restored). Unfortunately, Rustin is not as well-known as he should be; it has been in more recent years that he has been acknowledged for his contributions. That injustice continues for so many people. The good people who speak out, stand up for freedom, equality, justice – no matter their race, their identity, their gender, their economic background, etc. – are often and unfortunately left behind – while we all benefit from their greatness. Say their names when you know it because it includes non-famous people – some amongst us, in our families, communities, etc. They don’t announce it because its a labor of love to them. For them, we are worth it – even if they are not treated as such. Rustin orchestrated a lot of the marches during the Civil Rights movement, he was put in danger and at risk and being a gay man, Rustin faced discrimination himself and was not accepted by many, not given full credit for his genius and monumental work – very much like the women of the Civil Rights movement – who like Rustin, they also contributed greatly to the Civil Rights movement – but they were not always “allowed” to be up-front or seen/known or heard, not always acknowledged. Not always respected or appreciated. Again, its been in more recent years that more women have been acknowledged for their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He is a prime example of why it pays and benefits us all as humans to be inclusive and respectful of all humans and their contributions to society, especially, their courageousness in uplifting people – and often they uplift everyone but sadly and unfairly still get left behind themselves. Not everyone can be MLK but we sure did need MLK. Our humanity must do better with inclusivity because we all need each other, especially when we are all currently at risk to losing our democracy and many of us are targeted for losing our voting rights; we are all affected by the risks posed by climate change If we come together for the right reasons, the common concerns that we have as humans – we can rise above the challenges – even though its very hard and sometimes a slow, grueling process – but – we are ALL worth it. As long as folks are doing NO HARM to others, I respect and appreciate them all. Amazingly – but sadly – as I said before, it’s often the very people who are marginalized but who are the ones who fight for all of us and for our freedoms – all while being outcasted in society, in their families, in their places of worship, in their schools, jobs, etc. I see them all and thank them all for their sacrifices, contributions just the same as I do for others; God Bless them for any contributions to the improvement, to betterment of society, in uplifting ALL humans – because when those marginalized, ostracized, discriminated against, excluded – all unfairly and inhumanely – society still needs them all too. Rustin as a gay man and the many women of the Civil Rights era who are also often forgotten by some people – all are heroes who sacrificed greatly for the cause of Civil Rights for all. Yes, the Movement was targeted for helping Black people, to uplift Black people and give them voting rights, freedom, jobs, democracy, equality, etc. – but the March on Washington was inclusive as MLK recognized the interconnection of people in society who were poor, disenfranchised, not treated fairly or equitably – even if they were not black. So, as always – whenever Black people uplift themselves out of despair imposed upon us – with our causes and protests and marches, often with little resources but a whole lot of love, empathy, compassion for one another – for the sake of humanity, we carry someone else up the ladder; each time that we need to climb, we carry up more humans as well. Let us all carry UP each other – regardless of “identity”, religion or no religion, etc. We all are and should identify as what we all are in common: humans. As humans, we are now in peril in this country – due to risk of many things like lack of healthcare, jobs, food access, affordability, etc. That means that in 2026 equality is still not accessible to or equal for all. The March on Washington is still needed for all of the reasons they’ve ever marched for including this years theme: to defend the Vote and Democracy. Despite society’s homophobia at the time (and which continues) including within the Movement and its sexism at the time (and which continues) including within the same Movement – the modern Civil Rights Movement – which led to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 – did make enormous impact on American society, with great strides for Black and poor Americans in this country, but it uplifted many more people as well. All people had access to more due process, more equity and equality than before – because of the Civil Rights laws. However, that does not mean that people always followed these laws or treated all with the respect they deserved – therefore, there are always people who find a way to trample on others – including stomping out their rights. The March on Washington in 1963 for Jobs and Freedom gave birth to another continuous movement: subsequent marches to redress the issues of the day, concerning the same people and more who are still marginalized, dehumanized, ostracized – “unequalized”. The first march – the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 contributed greatly to this country, leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Yet, those left out at the time (gays, women, etc.) may still feel the sting of exclusion and still continue their fight for inclusion – but hopefully they too benefit from the Civil Rights cause due to its legacy of improvements to making society slightly more equitable and accessible as a whole – but no, not perfect or not accessible to and for all unfortunately. There is always room for much improvement, for the betterment of all humans. Unfortunately, some of those rights gained due to the Civil Rights Movement have been chipped away more due to more recent and past Supreme Court decisions. As a result, too many of the rights gained during the Civil Rights Movement are at risk or no longer exist. We have all of the people who marched to thank – including those whose names have not been said or heard enough – if at all. I repeat: The need for the March on Washington continues; this year’s theme is “Defend the Vote and Democracy”. Yes, let us do that. Vote. Mr. Randolph’s Bio | A. Philip Randolph Institute https://www.apri.org/randolph A. Philip Randolph Institute Social & Economic Justice https://www.apri.org A. Philip Randolph, Labor & Civil Rights Activist Born – This Month in Business History – Research Guides at Library of Congress https://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/april/a-philip-randolph-born Reminiscences of Bayard Rustin: An Interview with Marge Rubin, George Rubin, and Daniel A. Seeger at Medford Leas — Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice https://www.rustincenter.org/brcsjqueerhistoryblog/2026/8/20/reminiscences-of-bayard-rustin-an-interview-with-marge-rubin-george-rubin-and-daniel-a-seeger-at-medford-leas Bayard Rustin * Godfather of Intersectionality! — Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice — Non-Profit Queer Safe-Space, Social Justice Community Activist Center & Educational Bridge for our LGBTQIA youth, intersectional families & all marginalized folx across the spectrum dedicated to preserving the life & legacy of Bayard Rustin by offering all-inclusive powerful programs & extraordinary events * Chief Activist Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber https://www.rustincenter.org/bayard-rustin-godfather-of-intersectionality Happy Birthday Bayard Rustin, The Architect Of Civil Rights! “All Rise now and Let us Remember them: Let us not Forget any of the people, including those unknown – who contributed to, who marched, who did sit-ins, who were freedom riders, who were beaten down, hosed down, attacked by dogs, brutalized, jailed, spat on, and so much more – during their labor of love for the righteous cause of the Civil Rights Movement.” Written by Poetry2016 (my username on Daily Kos). Let us not forget A. Philip Randolph – and let us remember Bayard Rustin – who were the primary architects of the March on Washington of 1963 – that included Martin Luther King, Jr., etc. We all know that MLK was significant to the Civil Rights Movement and to the March on Washington of 1963.Randolph and Rustin were pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement. All Rise. We thank you all. Let us not forget the others as well – those known and unknown – may we remember all who sacrificed to help us all gain freedom, more rights. We already know that many MEN (black and non-Black) were contributors to the Civil Rights Movement and the March on Washington. All Rise. Let us not forget the WOMEN and remember the young ladies: Fannie Lou Hamer and many, many more Black women who all sacrificed and contributed greatly to the cause of the modern Civil Rights Movement which led to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. They all fought for the same things: freedom, voting rights, better pay, democracy, justice for all, etc. All Rise. We thank you all. In addition, let us not forget the precious, brave, courageous young CHILDREN of the modern Civil Rights Movement; let us remember how they bravely marched and sacrificed, how they opened the doors to desegregation in schools, who were attacked by white mobs for simply going to school, remember all of those children who suffered all kinds of hate violence, who were killed by KKK, who were treated horribly by police siccing dogs on children as they PEACEFULLY marched for their Civil Rights – for all of us. May we not forget, always remember them because we all benefit from their bravery and sacrifice. Many of them also marched to, attended the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Their PARENTS also sacrificed their children – to rescue us, to save us all. Let us remember their PARENTS as well. All Rise; all praises: may be BOW down deeply and humbly to all of the CHILDREN of the Civil Rights Movement. Precious children: we bow to you and thank you all. Let us not forget the many, many NON-BLACK PEOPLE (adults and children; of all religious backgrounds and also those affiliated with no religion but who also joined in the righteous cause of Civil Rights) who also marched and stood with not only the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but who stayed the course with the cause of Civil Rights for Black people every day and that which resulted in the Civil and Voting rights – for all people. They are the people with all identities under the umbrella of humanity – the ones who were not about the too slow-moving gradualism that pained Dr. King and all Black people causing lingering aches to our bones; they understood that everyone’s rights were needed right now and that everyone’s rights are tied into individual rights and vice versa – that freedom is not complete if everyone is not free – just as the Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. eloquently said. All Rise. We thank you all. I cannot know every single human and their names; I cannot know every single contributor and their great deeds; I cannot know every person who marched and/or who rode freedom buses and/or who participated in sit-ins and etc. But I can, so I do appreciate each and every one of them and I thank them all for their contributions and sacrifices to humanity for the sake of Civil Rights and ultimately Human Rights so that people can have better jobs, better pay, more freedom, vote safely, live peacefully and more equitably; so that everyone had the right to and access to the Life, Liberty and that Pursuit of Happiness that is talked about in the Declaration of Independence. It is supposed to be free and accessible to us all. All Rise. We thank you all – even if you are long gone, not with us anymore; even though you are no longer a child; even if you no longer remember the long hard road you were forced to take trying to reach freedom. Still, we thank you all. All Rise. Armed with non-violence and wrapped with their humanity, soldiers of their righteous indignation, truth, determination, warriors of love – they ALL moved a Nation and changed this country – no, this World – for the better. We need more of them and more of that. I thank you all. All Rise. We thank you all. For the sake of the children, for the Here and Now as well as for the future: let us all be a resounding chorus – let us lift up our voices in unison to sing a song of unity for the sake of humanity – to create a symphony, a wonderful, human concert of justice, equality, equity, inclusivity and more to better life for all. Yes, for all. All rise. All Rise…. ================================================================= Our vote, voting rights and our democracy is at great risk right now. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (which protected everyone, not just Black people) was gutted earlier this year – by the Supreme Court in 2026 – for political reasons – and worse – which support the republican agenda. That places many American’s at risk due to lack of voting rights. It puts us all at risk of completely losing our democracy. Again, I repeat: The need for the March on Washington continues; this years theme is “Defend the Vote and Democracy”. Yes, let us do that. Vote. It’s a righteous thing. Associated Press on the Supreme Court gutting the Voting Rights Act: Supreme Court weakens the Voting Rights Act and aids GOP efforts to control the House | The Associated Press Hello readers! Later, I may update this diary periodically. You are welcome to add to the comments here. If you have any voting information to share, please do, if you plan to attend or do attend the March on 8/282026 – please share your experiences, memories of seeing marches on TV or in person; and/or if you ever attended any of the Civil Rights Marches over the years (before and after the March on Washington in 1963 and since then) you are welcome to share. Let’s encourage other folks – and each other – to vote for our collective lives – and to hold onto our democracy as well. Thanks for reading! [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/8/21/800087171/community/63rd-march-on-washington-8-28-2026-defending-voting-rights-and-democracy/ Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/