Mlk Speech Day

United in melody

“We shall overcome… some day: we shall walk hand in hand… some day” were the words sung by a group of people composed of whites and negros marching side by side united for a common cause that was originally supposed to be a given on this land, freedom. The chant for freedom did not voiced itself as a cry or a call for mercy, but instead as a peaceful carol where regardless the skin of one’s color the tune was the same. A perfect harmony that came from approximately two hundred thousand people as they marched in the morning heat towards the Lincoln Memorial in the nation’s capital. The sound of feet marching was nonexistent, on Wednesday, August 28 1963, the day referred by many as the day of “human freedom”, their melody was invincible.

A typical morning in the District started with the hustle and bustle like any other big city. However, this day was unusual; somewhat odd. At the start of this working day, mid-week, most shops of the downtown area still had the “Closed” signs as if the start of the day hadn’t come. The rush hour lost its title; the opposite of rush was in effect on that morning. Everything was extremely calm; the nation’s capital had a Sunday morning atmosphere on a Wednesday day. The majority of the people did not attend their jobs because of crowds that were expected. Yet, this historic day, did not start at 8:30am, it started with the arrival of the first trains at 9:50am. Therefore, as time passed by, more and more people arrived by buses, trains, bicycles, motorcycles and even scooters and headed over to the Washington Monument. It was like a sea of people flooding a city; using all means of transportation to say “Present!” Then, at 10:00am on the dot, it all truly started. Government leaders, labor officials, entertainers and the citizens began to walk as one to the Lincoln Memorial with the hope of attaining one common desire, change. As they marched, they sung the melody that united them as Americans seeking their...