WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVR) - A busload of Richmonders gathered in a parking lot before the crack of dawn to make the trip up to Washington, D.C. for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.
The day was filled with a number of speeches from activists and political leaders – some who endured the civil rights struggles.
Jesse Holmes' late father marched on Washington on that historic day.
"I remember him getting dressed on that day. Putting his blue pin cord suit and opening the front door. I remember him leaving."
Holmes showed CBS 6's Sandra Jones a photograph of his late father, John Holmes Sr., marching during the civil rights movement 50 years ago.
"He was a man who really believed in equality for all people, but especially for African Americans," Holmes said. "It was instilled in him by his parents."
It was also day to bring awareness to civil rights challenges that still exist today.
"Racism in general in this society, in terms of unemployment," Judea Beatrice said. "Housing and inequality--definitely mass incarceration, police brutality."
Even today, people refuse Dr. King’s dream.
"We're going to continue to progress and we're going to continue to make our voices heard. And we're going to continue to strive to live equally amongst each other,” Holmes said.
Organizers expected 100,000 people to participate in Saturday’s event – ahead of the actual anniversary on Wednesday.
That’s when President Barack Obama will speak at the same spot where Dr. King gave his “I Have a Dream Speech” in 1963.
