On August 28, 1963 more than 250,000 people—bound together across race, class, and ideologies—gathered in Washington, D.C. for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march was the culmination of what had been a turbulent spring and summer. On that hot day in August, nearly a quarter million people marched peacefully to the Lincoln Memorial. In his opening remarks, Randolph made the promise that “we shall return again and again to Washington in ever growing numbers until total freedom is ours.” Speeches were given by speakers such as NAACP president Roy Wilkins and John Lewis of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Also featured were musical performances by the likes of Marian Anderson, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Mahalia Jackson. Dr. King spoke last, delivering his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. 

Gordon Parks was there that day, along with 3,000 other members of the press. Among his most iconic images are those of the massive crowd. Looking at his contact sheets, it is also striking to see the numerous images he made of individuals in that crowd, all bound by a call for social justice. Several images were included in a 10-page spread in the September 6, 2963 article in Life magazine, which also featured images by other photographers. Parks's photographs from that day echo the opening line to a September 6, 1963 article in Life magazine: “Dotted with color like a single giant living thing, the crowd massed at the memorial to Abraham Lincoln 200,000 strong. Each dot was a person —with a cause the U.S. has come to know very well.”