Description

Resurrection City, organized by Ralph Abernathy, was part of the 1968 Poor People's Campaign, a demonstration for full employment and living wages. During May 1968 thousands of demonstrators representing communities across the country lived in a shantytown of plywood and canvas homes south of the Reflecting Pool. Intense rainfall flooded the encampment and internal dissension plagued the city. Resurrection City's Park Permit expired on June 23. The next day, police moved through the area, tearing down the buildings and arresting nearly 300 people. Sometimes remembered as a failure, Resurrection City nonetheless brought together many disparate groups to work toward common goals.

Date

05/21/1968-06/24/1968

Coverage

1950-1979

Source

Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University. View original.