“The March on Washington is considered one
of the greatest gatherings for equal rights in human
history. Yet, while the crowd congregated to push
for the equality of black Americans and workers' rights,
female participants in the march, and the civil rights
movement, as a whole, struggled for equal treatment,
acknowledgment and respect.” -The Root
of the greatest gatherings for equal rights in human
history. Yet, while the crowd congregated to push
for the equality of black Americans and workers' rights,
female participants in the march, and the civil rights
movement, as a whole, struggled for equal treatment,
acknowledgment and respect.” -The Root
March Leaders
Instead of inviting one of the women leaders to make
a major speech, the march leaders opted to feature six outstanding activists in a special presentation called: Tribute to Negro Women Fighters for Freedom.
Civil rights activists Daisy Bates, Diane Nash, Rosa Parks,
Gloria Richardson, as well as the widows of slain
civil rights leaders, Prince E. Lee and Myrlie Evers were
honored. However march leaders came under fire
from a wide range of black women activists.
a major speech, the march leaders opted to feature six outstanding activists in a special presentation called: Tribute to Negro Women Fighters for Freedom.
Civil rights activists Daisy Bates, Diane Nash, Rosa Parks,
Gloria Richardson, as well as the widows of slain
civil rights leaders, Prince E. Lee and Myrlie Evers were
honored. However march leaders came under fire
from a wide range of black women activists.
These women went above and beyond what they had to do to help the civil rights movement gain national prominence!!
The Tribute
The tribute honored Rosa Parks of Montgomery bus boycott fame. Daisy Bates, leader of the Little Rock Nine school integration battle in Arkansas. Diane Nash, who rode with the Freedom Riders and helped de-segregated interstate travel.
Gloria Richardson, leader of the civil rights struggle in Cambridge Maryland. The widows of civil rights activists assassinated by white extremists, Myrlie Evers and Prince E. Lee, were also honored.
Gloria Richardson, leader of the civil rights struggle in Cambridge Maryland. The widows of civil rights activists assassinated by white extremists, Myrlie Evers and Prince E. Lee, were also honored.
It was agreed that Myrlie Evers would introduce the tribute and briefly acknowledge the women of honor. This was a big deal!! She was the only woman speaker listed on the official March on Washington program. As it turned out, Myrlie couldn't make it because of a prior commitment.
Daisy Bates was invited, at the very last minute, to substitute for Myrlie.
She gave a brief, informal address that was limited to 142 words. The tribute ended up as an impromptu presentation that fell far short of the recognition due these extraordinary women. As one activist observed:
“It was bitterly humiliating for Negro women on August 28 to see themselves accorded little more than token recognition in the historic March on Washington!!"
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