August 28, 1963, was one of the most important days for the civil rights movement. Over 200,000 people gathered on the National Mall in Washington to hear Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Magnum photographer Leonard Freed (1929-2006) was there documenting that historic day.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
August 28, 1963, was one of the most important days for the civil rights movement. Over 200,000 people gathered on the National Mall in Washington to hear Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Magnum photographer Leonard Freed (1929-2006) was there documenting that historic day.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)
The crowd gathers at the National Mall.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
The crowd gathers at the National Mall.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)
People sing together during the march.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
People sing together during the march.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)
Though the name March on Washington"is well known, the full title of the gathering the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
Though the name March on Washington"is well known, the full title of the gathering the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)
People sing together during the rally.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
People sing together during the rally.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)
Ten leaders of the civil rights movement met with President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Labor Secretary W. Willard Wirtz and Burke Marshall, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, in the Cabinet room of the White House during the demonstration.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
Ten leaders of the civil rights movement met with President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Labor Secretary W. Willard Wirtz and Burke Marshall, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, in the Cabinet room of the White House during the demonstration.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)
People watch and wait for speakers.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
People watch and wait for speakers.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)
Though the most iconic shot from the March on Washington may be of King waving to the crowd, Freed moved throughout the crowd finding the faces that weren't seen in the papers.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
Though the most iconic shot from the March on Washington may be of King waving to the crowd, Freed moved throughout the crowd finding the faces that weren't seen in the papers.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)
The marchers were entertained by big names such as Ossie Davis, Joan Baez, Bobby Darin, Odetta, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Jackie Robinson.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
The marchers were entertained by big names such as Ossie Davis, Joan Baez, Bobby Darin, Odetta, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Jackie Robinson.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the historic march.
Leonard Freed's March on Washington —
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the historic march.
Estate of Leonard Freed -- Magnum Photos (Brigitte Freed)