March on Washington 1963: I Have Dream — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This reading passage examines the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 and the delivery of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech. Students will analyze the causes, motivations, and consequences of the event using primary source evidence and by considering multiple perspectives, including those of civil rights leaders, government officials, and everyday Americans. The passage promotes historical reasoning by modeling the use of academic vocabulary and critical thinking. Activities include a reading comprehension quiz, vocabulary glossary, writing prompts, graphic organizer, and a timeline. The resource aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards and supports ELA skills. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are provided, making this a complete, accessible U.S. history lesson for diverse learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. at Brown Chapel, headquarters for meetings during the Civil Rights movement, Selma, Alabama
Source: Library of Congress - Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. Over 250,000 people of different races and backgrounds gathered peacefully at the Lincoln Memorial to demand justice, equal rights, and economic opportunity. This historic event was a response to decades of racial segregation and discrimination faced by African Americans in the United States, especially in the South. Activists wanted new laws to end unfair treatment and to guarantee voting rights for all citizens.

The organizers of the march included leaders from major civil rights groups, labor unions, and religious organizations. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most well-known speakers, but others like John Lewis and A. Philip Randolph also played crucial roles. They believed that peaceful, nonviolent protest could persuade the federal government to address the problems of racial inequality. Some government officials, however, feared that the march could lead to violence or unrest. Despite these concerns, the march was peaceful and powerful, showing the strength of unity and collective action.

The main problem addressed by the march was the lack of equality for African Americans in jobs, education, and public life. Protesters highlighted unfair hiring practices, poor housing conditions, and barriers to voting. They demanded immediate change, including the passage of civil rights legislation. Although President John F. Kennedy supported civil rights, progress was slow. The marchers hoped to put pressure on lawmakers to take meaningful action and fulfill the promises of American democracy.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. In this speech, he declared, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." This line became a symbol of hope and the possibility of a more just America. Dr. King's words used the power of rhetoric—the art of effective speaking—to inspire people across the country. His speech not only described the problems of racism, but also offered a vision for a better future.

Different groups had different perspectives on the march and Dr. King's speech. Many African Americans saw the event as a turning point in the struggle for civil rights. Some white Americans were supportive, while others felt threatened by the demand for social change. Government officials had mixed reactions; some praised the peaceful protest, while others worried about its impact on politics and society. There was also disagreement among civil rights leaders about the best strategies for achieving change, with some wanting faster, more radical action and others preferring gradual reform.

The results of the March on Washington were significant but complex. The event increased momentum for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination. However, true equality was not achieved overnight. African Americans continued to face obstacles and resistance, especially in voting rights, leading to further activism and new laws like the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The march showed that ordinary citizens could influence national policy through organized, peaceful protest.

In analyzing the March on Washington, historians consider both its immediate achievements and its limitations. The event demonstrated the importance of nonviolent protest and the use of powerful language to shape public opinion. It also revealed the ongoing challenges of achieving racial equality in a divided nation. The legacy of the march and Dr. King’s speech continues to inspire movements for justice and equality today.

Interesting Fact: After the march, Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech became one of the most quoted speeches in American history, and it is still studied by students and leaders around the world.

When did the March on Washington occur?

August 28, 1963July 4, 1776January 1, 1965April 15, 1960

Who gave the 'I Have a Dream' speech?

John LewisJohn F. KennedyMartin Luther King Jr.A. Philip Randolph

Where did the march take place?

ChicagoAtlantaWashington, D.C.New York City

What was one main goal of the march?

Ending segregationStarting a warBuilding a monumentCelebrating a holiday

Why did activists want new laws?

To end unfair treatmentTo get more landTo create new statesTo start businesses

Dr. King used powerful language for what purpose?

To entertainTo inspire changeTo confuse peopleTo describe weather