August 28, 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the historic “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” In 1963, more than 250,000 demonstrators went to the nation’s capital to participate in this march. Not only was it the largest demonstration for human rights in United States history, but it also occasioned a rare display of unity among the various civil rights organizations. The event began with a rally at the Washington Monument featuring several celebrities and musicians. Participants then marched the mile-long National Mall to the Memorial. The three-hour long program at the Lincoln Memorial included speeches from prominent civil rights and religious leaders. The day ended with a meeting between the march leaders and President John F. Kennedy at the White House.
A recommendation is to consider using the Prayer for the Human Family from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), p. 815 in one or more of your weekday or Sunday services.
Prayer for the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
See also:
Resources and Lesson Plans from Public Broadcasting System (PBS)
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/lessons_plans/50th-anniversary-of-the-march-on-washington-basic-resources/
Worship Resources from the General Board of Directors (GBOD, the Methodist Church)
http://www.gbod.org/lead-your-church/worship/resource/worship-resources-for-the-50th-anniversary-commemoration-of-the-march-on-wa
The Reverend Martin Luther King’s speech – “I Have a Dream”
https://www.archives.gov/files/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf
The speech given by SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) Chairman John Lewis
http://www.crmvet.org/info/mowjl2.htm
