MEDIA ADVISORY: Historic Detroit Freedom March to be reenacted at State Capitol Feb. 21 in honor of Black History Month

Michigan Secretary of State sent this bulletin at 02/17/2017 11:55 AM EST
Media Release from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

Historic Detroit Freedom March to be reenacted at State Capitol Feb. 21 in honor of Black History Month

-- For immediate release --

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WHO:
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson
Rep. Wendell Byrd, Detroit
Rep. Sheldon A. Neeley, Flint
G. Scott Romney
Pastor H. Levi McClendon III, Mt. Zion All Nations Bible Church
Linda Lee Tarver, Michigan Civil Rights Commissioner
Several people who experienced the civil rights march and the 1967 Detroit Riot
 
WHAT:
An event in honor of Black History Month to memorialize the historic role that Michigan has played in the fight for civil rights. Recordings from the 1960s, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, will be part of the presentation.

WHEN:
11 a.m., Feb. 21

WHERE:
West side of the State Capitol: The March for Freedom reenactment will assemble at 11 a.m. on the west side of the Capitol Building and proceed at 11:15 a.m. to the north lobby entrance of the Richard H. Austin Building, 430 W. Allegan St.

Richard H. Austin Building north lobby entrance: A program highlighting Michigan’s role in civil rights will begin at 11:30 a.m. outside the Austin Building north lobby entrance, weather permitting.

WHY:
On June 23, 1963, nearly a quarter of a million marchers gathered on Woodward Ave., Detroit, in the March for Freedom. Known as the largest civil rights demonstration in the nation’s history up to that point, the event was highlighted by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who presented for the first time the impassioned plea “I Have a Dream” that was to become his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and the assembly of guests will join together to remember and celebrate Michigan’s role in the nation’s struggle for civil rights.

For media questions, please call Fred Woodhams at 517-373-2520.

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