This march on the National Mall for African American civil rights was proposed by Louis Farrakhan and organized with the support of the National African American Leadership Summit, the Nation of Islam, and various civil rights organizations. The March organizers wanted to challenge what they perceived as growing racism in the United States, particularly in government policy, and to present a new definition of black manhood to the nation. The main focus of the event was sessions held on a stage near the west front of the Capitol. Estimates for attendance vary, ranging from 400,000 to 870,000 people.
On Easter Sunday, 1939, celebrated African American opera singer Marian Anderson gave a free concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. She had been denied the opportunity to sing at the Daughters of the American Revolution concert hall because of her race. The first song she performed at the concert was "America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)," but she changed the words from "of thee I sing" to "to thee we sing," making it an inclusive expression of patriotism.
March of Mourning Set for Nation's Capitol
50,000 to Hit at U.S. Defense Discrimination
Muffled Drums Will Lead Dissenters in Silent Demonstration
WASHINGTON - (ANP)
The spectacle of 50,000 Negroes silently marching through the streets of Washington, behind muffled drums, will become a reality says Eugene P. Davidson, speaking for the Washington branch of the committee being organized by A. Philip Randolph to stage such a protest against unfairness of the administration in not doing more to see that Negroes are given jobs in the national defense projects.
Two meetings, held in Washington recently, met with enthusiastic response and the leaders are planning an energetic drive to put over the program in the most effective manner.
It is planned to have the marchers parade through the main thoroughfares of the city to the famous Lincoln Memorial, where Marian Anderson sang at the feet of the great emancipator and call upon the President to speak to the group there assembled.
"We do not want any private meetings with committees," said Mr. Davidson. "We want the President to speak forthrightly on the problem and tell the world what this administration will and can do on behalf of the underprivileged minority groups in the city."
Thorough coverage of the country is going to be attempted and buttons will be placed on sale to cover the costs of the hegira to the nation's capital. Radios, newspapers, advertisements all will be used in a concerted drive to put over the program, says Davidson.
Reaffirming Policy Of Full Participation In The Defense Program By All Persons, Regardless Of Race, Creed, Color, Or National Origin, And Directing Certain Action In Furtherance Of Said Policy
June 25, 1941
WHEREAS it is the policy of the United States to encourage full participation in the national defense program by all citizens of the United States, regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin, in the firm belief that the democratic way of life within the Nation can be defended successfully only with the help and support of all groups within its borders; and
WHEREAS there is evidence that available and needed workers have been barred from employment in industries engaged in defense production solely because of considerations of race, creed, color, or national origin, to the detriment of workers' morale and of national unity:
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes, and as a prerequisite to the successful conduct of our national defense production effort, I do hereby reaffirm the policy of the United States that there shall be no discrimination in the employment of workers in defense industries or government because of race, creed, color, or national origin, and I do hereby declare that it is the duty of employers and of labor organizations, in furtherance of said policy and of this order, to provide for the full and equitable participation of all workers in defense industries, without discrimination because of race, creed, color, or national origin;
And it is hereby ordered as follows:
1. All departments and agencies of the Government of the United States concerned with vocational and training programs for defense production shall take special measures appropriate to assure that such programs are administered without discrimination because of race, creed, color, or national origin;
2. All contracting agencies of the Government of the United States shall include in all defense contracts hereafter negotiated by them a provision obligating the contractor not to discriminate against any worker because of race, creed, color, or national origin;
3. There is established in the Office of Production Management a Committee on Fair Employment Practice, which shall consist of a chairman and four other members to be appointed by the President. The Chairman and members of the Committee shall serve as such without compensation but shall be entitled to actual and necessary transportation, subsistence and other expenses incidental to performance of their duties. The Committee shall receive and investigate complaints of discrimination in violation of the provisions of this order and shall take appropriate steps to redress grievances which it finds to be valid. The Committee shall also recommend to the several departments and agencies of the Government of the United States and to the President all measures which may be deemed by it necessary or proper to effectuate the provisions of this order.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The White House,
June 25, 1941.