Fifty years ago this month, more than a quarter million people marched on the nations’ capitol and demanded jobs and freedom. As a union of education workers, it cannot be lost on us that educational justice was a key rallying cry at the 1963 March on Washington. As we mark the anniversary of this pivotal march, we must recommit to realizing the Dream that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned on that historic day.
We must keep marching to ensure quality education for all our children. We must continue to demand full funding for schools and early education. We cannot rest if there are hungry children in our classrooms. We cannot stop as long as students come to class with minds burdened by poverty and violence. We must keep marching until every child has access to medical care and quality child care. As education workers, we must keep advocating for schools that are truly communities that educate and embrace our children.
As working men and women, the anniversary of the March on Washington also calls us to recommit to fight for justice in our worksites. Good jobs with fair wages and benefits are the foundation for stability in our homes and neighborhoods. Justice starts with respect and equality on the job. And freedom means every worker has a voice to advocate for a stronger workplace and a better future.
