As we approach the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington this August, I’ve been reflecting on the civil rights movement while watching National Geographic’s “Genius: MLK/X.” I discovered this fourth season of the biographical anthology series while watching the third season, “Genius: Aretha.”
Seems I couldn’t quite get enough of watching Aretha’s story, which is based on true events, and finally, after watching it hundreds of times, I moved on to “Genius: MLK/X.” What an exciting series. You all ought to watch it.
Based on true events, these top-level shows are produced so well. The stories begin when Malcolm was a regular Black guy, getting in trouble, got locked up, and someone came to the prison and brought him a Quran. I won’t give the details away. The story of Martin Luther King Jr. begins when his father changes his name when he is a young boy at about 5 years old; he becomes Martin Luther King Jr. His father has an epiphany that his son would be famous, and he needed a proper name. The show is simultaneous, going from one story to the other.
I’m not telling you any more about the stories depicted about either of these men. But watching these powerful portrayals reminded me that the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington is coming back to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., next month.
While the exact date and events are not yet fully detailed, it will commemorate the original march, which was held on Aug. 28, 1963. This march will show its significance for civil and economic rights. Expect related events and discussions focusing on the ongoing pursuit of these rights, including the themes of “Jobs and Freedom” which were central to the original march.
The King Center, for example, will be hosting events including a youth forum and a podcast episode discussing the march’s relevance today.
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place on Aug. 28, 1963, in Washington, D.C. That original march advocated for civil and economic rights for African Americans, including an end to segregation and the passage of a strong federal civil rights bill. With the injustices that are still happening in the Black community across America, some 62 years later, some things seem to be going in the wrong direction.
The 62nd anniversary in August will likely involve events and activities to remember the march and its impact, and to address current issues related to its original goals.
The King Center is planning events, including a youth forum and a podcast episode featuring the Rev. Bernice A. King and Stacey Abrams, to discuss the march’s legacy and its relevance to contemporary challenges.
The King Center will also utilize social media platforms to inspire action and reflection using hashtags like #DreamAgainMarchForward, #WorkingOnADream, #TheKingCenter and #MLK.
Under the current atmosphere in Washington, D.C., echoes of the past are resounding loudly: voting rights are being rolled back, affirmative action has been dismantled, and federal policies threaten civil liberties and democratic norms. The same fights for dignity, justice, and freedom that animated the March on Washington persist.
Just as A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Dorothy Height, John Lewis, Andrew Young, Malcolm X and King once stood against the tide of injustice, a new generation is called to resist. We honor their legacy not by looking back with nostalgia, but by standing up now — with clarity, courage, and collective action — to continue the work of realizing the dream.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
