Looking Back at a March for Freedom and Its Leader

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Strength of Love" - 1961

Obviously, with the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington and Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech occurring next month, it stands to reason that there would be quite a focus in DC this summer on Dr. King and that historic August day.

But in light of recent events such as the Supreme's Court decision negating the Voting Act of 1965 and this past weekend's verdict in the shooting death of black teenager Trayvon Martin, the spirit of those 250,000 Civil Rights marchers and Dr. King's words have taken on added poignancy and a renewed sense of urgency.

One way to experience the panoply of Dr. King's powerful messages is to visit the One Life: Martin Luther King exhibition now on display at the National Portrait Gallery.

The exhibit, which will run until June 1 of next year, features photos from all stages of Dr. King's life from his leadership of the 1955 Alabama bus boycott that began the American Civil Rights Movement to his tragic assassination in Memphis in 1968.

However, one of the most interesting displays is devoted to items from the Washington March, officially named the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In addition to the official button pictured here those items include: pictures of the day, a pledge card asking participants for "their complete and personal commitment to the struggle for Jobs and Freedom for all Americans", the day's official program with a schedule, objectives, and march map, and an advance pamphlet listing do's and don'ts for the day.

In the days and weeks to come, many will be questioning how far we have come toward realizing the dream of racial equality King magnificently outlined that day. But no matter what happens next, we would all be wise to remember this reminder from Dr. King: "We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline . . . . Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force."

Tales, Tidbits, and Tips
Although the pictorial focus is on Dr. King, visitors will also get to see some of the key figures of the Civil Rights era including:

• Rosa Parks
• Rev. Ralph Abernathy
• President Lyndon Johnson
• Andrew Young and
• Dr. Benjamin Spock

Touring DC: In the Steps of Martin Luther King

July annually means the start of the summer tourist season in DC. This year, 4 historic anniversaries are being celebrated in the nation's capital: the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech, and the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. To commemorate the 4 events, The Prices Do DC has designed a full-day tour featuring monuments and museum exhibitions selected to help you know more about the people and events of the times. Today's tour: DC, Dr. Martin Luther King, Civil Rights, and the 1963 March on Washington.

Morning

Smithsonian National Museum of American History
First check out Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963. Then join a Civil Rights student sit-in at the Greensboro lunch counter. (Check information desk for times). To learn more, click here. Free. (Metro - Smithsonian Station - Blue and Orange Lines)

National Portrait Gallery
See the exhibit One Life: Martin Luther King Jr.  To learn more, click here. Free. (Metro - Gallery Place/Chinatown Station Metro(Yellow, Green, and Red Lines)

Afternoon

National Gallery of Art - East Building
In the Tower: Kerry James Marshall provides a powerful artistic statement on Black life in America. To learn more, click here. Free. (Metro - Archives Station - Yellow and Green Lines)

National Museum of Women in the Arts
Take in American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960's.  To learn more, click here. Admission charge. (Metro - Metro Station - Blue, Orange, and Red Lines)

Evening 

Martin Luther King,  Jr. Memorial

End your touring day by visiting DC's newest national memorial, a tribute to the slain Civil Rights leader. To learn more, click here. Free. (Metro - Smithsonian Station - Blue and Orange Lines or Foggy Bottom Bottom Station - Blue and Orange Lines). You will also want to visit the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Although Dr. King is most known for his Civil Rights stands, he was also a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War so a visit to that memorial might also be in order if you have time.

Related Dining Experiences for Lunch or Dinner

• Ben's Chili Bowl (this is DC's iconic eatery. You haven't really visited DC if you haven't eaten at Ben's. Get the half-smoke with chili just like Bill Cosby and President Barack Obama)
• One of the great soul food restaurants in the U Street district including The Florida Avenue Grill (Dick Gregory still stops in for mac and cheese whenever he is in DC), Oohs and Ahhs (try the fried whiting, potato salad, and hummingbird pie) Marvin's (a soul/Belgium restaurant dedicated to soul singer Marvin Gaye, who was born in DC. Go for the chicken and waffles), or Eatonville (named for author Zora Neale Hurston's Florida home town). .