By R. Fenimore Fisher
I recently attended the funeral of political strategist William Lynch Jr. During the service, Dr. King’s remarks concerning getting us to the mountaintop were used in parallel to Bill’s life. The speaker said, “If Dr. King got us to the mountaintop, Bill showed us the view and got a seat for us at the table.” As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, I wonder if Americans, especially those at the table, are pondering what steps have we taken to not only secure the promises of Dr. King’s dream, but what are we doing to pay it forward to others
The March on Washington was centered on the themes of jobs and freedom. Ironically, those themes are just as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. It was a march for human rights during a time when our treatment of each other was far less than humane. It is widely credited with helping to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. For those like me, not born during that time, what does the 50th anniversary of the march mean I can only speak through my own viewpoint. The first thought that I have is one of appreciation for every known and unknown champion and soldier of the civil-rights movement. Specific to the unknown or lesser known champions, 50 years later, Bayard Rustin is posthumously being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was the chief organizer of the march. Ten years prior to the march, in 1953, he was arrested for homosexual activity. Challengers to the Civil Rights Act sought to derail the movement by demonizing Rustin. I dedicate this article to his memory.
