On This Day: Martin Luther King Jr. Delivers Historic "I Have a Dream" Speech

On August 28, 1963, during the historic March on Washington, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech to an estimated 250,000 people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The speech, now one of the most celebrated orations in American history, called for an end to racism and envisioned a future of equality and justice.

Standing before the massive crowd, King eloquently spoke of his dream for a nation where people would be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. His powerful words became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring generations to continue the fight for civil rights and social justice.

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which drew a diverse crowd from across the country, was a pivotal event in the struggle for civil rights. King's speech remains a lasting symbol of the movement's aspirations and the ongoing pursuit of equality in the United States.