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Silver Screen Solidarity — Movie Stars at the March on Washington

Gena Vazquez
3 min readJan 15, 2024

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The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, marked a vital moment in American history, as civil rights activists, leaders, and citizens pooled together at the nation’s capital to advocate for equality and justice. Among the thousands who gathered for this historic event were several influential movie stars, whose presence added a significant cultural resonance to the march and Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

The march itself was a powerful display of solidarity, drawing attention to the urgent need for civil rights legislation and an end to racial segregation. Amidst the sea of demonstrators stood renowned actors and actresses, lending their fame and voices to the cause.

One of the most notable attendees was legendary actor Sidney Poitier. Poitier, known for his groundbreaking roles in films like “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “To Sir, with Love,” was deeply committed to social change. His participation in the march highlighted the dire importance of the civil rights movement within the entertainment industry.

Another prominent figure present at the march was Harry Belafonte, a multifaceted entertainer and activist. Belafonte’s support for civil rights extended beyond his artistic endeavors, and he played an active role in advocating…

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Gena Vazquez
Gena Vazquez

Written by Gena Vazquez

Writer | Private Equity Investor - Silicon Valley to Hollywood and Wall St. in between. In love with nature. You'll find me beachside most days.

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