Roughly 200 people braved the heat and humidity outside Missouri’s Capitol building today (Wednesday) to mark the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Among those speaking at the event was former St. Louis lawmaker Jeanette Mott Oxford, who now heads the Missouri Association for Social Welfare. She told the crowd she believes King’s vision for America went beyond racial equality:
“I would not have chosen my career in public policy if it were not for Dr. King," she said. "All people in Missouri should have true access to quality health care, decent housing, adequate nutrition, and appropriate education.”
Also, several speakers teamed up to read Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in its entirety, and the crowd took part in a nationwide moment of silence. The event in Jefferson City was timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary ceremony hosted by President Obama in Washington.
