Search

The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom has become one of the most iconic events from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ’60s. On the 60th anniversary of the march, which galvanized hundreds of thousands of people, it is essential to understand the movement’s challenges and triumphs and connect the past to the present to shape a better future.

The following resources can aid educators, parents and caregivers, and all community members in teaching and discussing the honest history of the 1963 March on Washington.

Schools should be safe and welcoming for all children—on this point responsible adults agree. But currently, discriminatory laws and censorship policies threaten the well-being of children. LGBTQ+ young people and families are being targeted, along with Black, Indigenous and other people of color and members of historically marginalized groups, whose histories and experiences are being misrepresented and erased.

Disinformation and extremism in the current politically polarized landscape threaten the well-being of young people and communities across our country. Helping young people build resilience against manipulative extremist narratives and conspiracy theories requires all adults in a young person’s trusted network to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to intervene. A key strategy for building this resilience is offering communities tools to both identify insidious extremist narratives and strengthen their own care networks. These LFJ articles provide resource connections.

Engaging in action to make positive change in our communities is the next step beyond learning about voting rights and civic responsibilities. When young people recognize the possibilities of power and engagement, they can become change agents in their communities. These LFJ resources for young people provide tips for becoming involved and encouraging friends and family to vote. 

It’s essential to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and to affirm practices for wellness—especially during Black, Indigenous and People of Color Mental Health Month. These LFJ resources remind us of the ongoing impact of racism and bias and provide recommendations to support adults in helping young people during these polarizing times.