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For the second consecutive year, thousands of people will descend upon the nation's capital to celebrate the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have A Dream" speech. Much like last year, the event will not only be used as a space to remember the late reverend, but activists will also advocate for voting rights and push for anti-police brutality measures. Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Rev. Al Sharpton and several other activists will be in attendance. Also, groups like March On, the Drum Major Institute, the National Action Network and the SEIU will be participating.
“After we marched last year, it wasn't as if we said we're gonna come back and definitely march next year,” Drum Major President Arndrea Waters King told The Hill.
“Looking at what was going on in the country and looking at what was going on nationwide, we felt compelled to do something to help galvanize this issue and make our voices heard."
The march comes days after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act by a narrow margin that fell along party lines. Those who march in honor of Dr. King Jr.'s legacy can expect to hear many federal lawmakers and activists speak at length about the need to push this bill through the Senate. However, lawmakers and organizers are not only aiming to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, but they are also looking to pass Michelle Obama's For The People Act. Proponents of both measures like Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Joyce Beatty, Mondaire Jones and Terri Sewell are expected to attend the demonstration as well.
“It's one thing to talk about the dream, it's time for us to continue to push for us to realize the dream," Waters King emphasized when speaking to The Hill.
Those living outside of Washington, D.C. looking to realize the King Jr.'s dream can also attend marches in Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix and Houston.
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