MLK was determined to ensure that poverty and unemployment would be addressed in the public arena. With the help of other organizations, he planned a Poor People’s March on Washington.
But contrary to how white people make it seem now, many of MLK’s efforts were EXTREMELY unpopular.
MLK faced pushback from other Black leaders AND hatred from white people. He was staunchly against the Vietnam War, and wanted to focus on the economic hardships faced by poor people instead of just “respectable” Black elites.
MLK insisted the march had to happen on Juneteenth. At the time, the holiday wasn’t widely recognized, but King wanted to send a message.
He planned to return to the same place as his “I Have A Dream” Speech. After the campaign was over and protestors dispersed, Black people would again equate Juneteenth with freedom.
The plan was for 50,000 protestors to flood the Capitol and remain camped there until King’s plans for addressing poverty and unemployment were met.
The message: Juneteenth marked freedom for Black people, and while MLK wanted to remain non-violent, he was ready to use violence to make that freedom happen!
Just over a month before the march, King was assassinated.
His choice of June 19th, however, reminds us that we must gain our freedom however we can, even if we have to resort to non-peaceful methods!