DOINews: DOI, BLM Host Special Event Commemorating 1963 March on Washington

In honor of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance, the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management on Jan. 14 held a special presentation of "The March" – the story behind the historic 1963 March on Washington, as narrated by Denzel Washington.

BLM Office of Civil Rights Chief Alexie Rogers (right) with special guest Rachelle Horowitz, one of the organizers of the 1963 March on Washington. Photo by Anthony Small, BLM.

Opening and welcoming remarks were delivered by Alexie Rogers, chief of the BLM Office of Civil Rights, and Neil Kornze, BLM director. Rachelle Horowitz, one of the March organizers, attended the presentation as a special guest. Horowitz was a student at Brooklyn College in the late 1950s when she became involved in the civil rights movement. Placed in charge of transportation for the March, her primary job was to charter buses, trains, and planes to get people to Washington, D.C., for the historic event.

Above is the flyer for the presentation at the South Interior Building in Washington, D.C.

"Being reminded of events of historical significance such as the March on Washington, and learning the fascinating stories behind them, allow us to reflect not only on what we've achieved but also to better understand the costs involved in gaining and preserving rights granted to all by the Declaration of Independence," said Sharon Ribas, Equal Employment manager for the Washington Office. "This is especially relevant given the importance placed on diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in the nation."

For more information about "The March" film, see http://www.pbs.org/black-culture/explore/march-on-washington/documentary/about/.

For more information about Rachelle Horowitz and other organizers of the March on Washington, see http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/23/us/march-on-washington-vignettes/index.html.

To watch the DOI Live-stream recording of the event, see http://www.doi.gov/news/video/events.cfm.

The BLM Office of Civil Rights staff gathers for a photo with Rachelle Horowitz after the event. Photo by Anthony Small, BLM.

Submitted by: BLM - Washington Office
Jan. 20, 2015