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Jayveonia Harrison
Professor Stalbird
English Composition 1201-N01
February 10, 2016
Summary of the March on Washington
On August 8, 2013, President Barack Obama announced a speech on, The
Fiftieth Anniversary of the March on Washington. President Obama addressed the
changes of America from those who marched on Washington and those who werent
acknowledged and the progress that is still needed to change America today.
President Obama addresses where the change in America has come from, which is
from the ones who marched on Washington and the ones who dealt with the difficulties of
segregation and voting rights. Segregation was the reason they were not able to sit with
the same race. Voting rights were not the same for African Americans, their votes were
irrelevant. Throughout, this struggle they remained strong and continued to have courage.
Them marching changed America, by passing the Civil Rights Law and causing the
Voting Rights to be signed. The President mentions how their courage made things
possible for their children and opened them to new opportunities. They were the ones,
who sacrificed their everyday lives and dreams to make a change in America. President
Obama mentions how the March on Washington was for the country to confess and
realize, despite race others work hard and deserved a chance.
The need to change America today has misguided everyone causing many
problems such as riots, racism, economic issues, and police brutality with excuses for
those actions. President Obama acknowledges how income for different ethical races in

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United States of America has become motionless and inequality has increased. He
mentions how poverty is taking over, especially in the education system and health care.
The President addresses how every race should be equal and have a fair chance.
President Obama drew attention to how this march teaches us we can make a
change in history because there is a choice. President Obama addresses the two choices,
which are continuing to stay separated or have the courage to come together and make
things happen. Finding courage to help one another and stand up for a better economy. A
better economy could help those struggling, need healthcare, better wages, and those who
are raising children. There is a need to know that there is an ounce of belief in changing
America today, and that justice still remains in our heart but someone has to be willing to
stand up for whats right. President Obama ends the speech with the lessons of our past
and the beginning of our future in changing America today.