Black Music Sunday: Songs of freedom from the musicians at the 1963 March on Washington

The historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28, 1963.  A 60th anniversary continuation of the march took place Saturday at the Lincoln Memorial. 

I wasn’t at the original March, but my dad was, and I will never forget him coming home and retelling the overwhelming thrill of being at the historic event to my mom, grandmother, my brother, and me. While many people remember the march for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful speech, which came to be known as “I Have a Dream,” the day’s events also included stellar performances by singers and musicians. The march also inspired other musicians to pay homage to the civil rights movement and the continuing struggle for equality.

Black Music Sunday is a weekly series highlighting all things Black music. With 170 stories (and counting) covering performers, genres, history, and more, each featuring its own vibrant soundtrack, I hope you’ll find some familiar tunes and perhaps an introduction to something new.