50th Annv. March on Washgtn, John Lewis/Harry Belafonte

Wed. night @ 92ndY, there was a special evening to commemorate the historic Civil Rights March with 4 men who were key orchestrators:  John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Clarence Jones & Julian Bond.  I was excited to hear from John Lewis, the only living person to have spoken where Dr. MLK gave his "I Have Dream Speech."  It was a great disappointment to me & many in the audience when informed  Mr. Lewis would not be present; he was tied up with Congress in D.C.  Nevertheless, the 3 men present were integral to the civil rights movement and were present alongside  MLK.  Mr. Jones was the only one on the panel I was not acquainted.  Unfortunately, I did not benefit from his dominance in the discussion .  Those matters aside, the evening was monumentous, enlightening & awe inspiring.  Bond & Belafonte admitted 'they did not perceive the vast magnitude & powerful impact the March would achieve."  In fact, they felt a great deal of "anxiety as to the success & turnout of the gathering on D.C."  The trepidations of JFK & Hoover were astonishing.  Immense security & militia& undercover F.B.I. agents were aligned by JFK in anticipation of an outbreak of violence.  I was reminded that the historian & Civil Rights leader, W.E.B. Dubois passed away that morning.  What's note worthy in reflecting back on this iconic event is the honoring of those present & many thousands who sacrificed for the advancement & justice for African Americans. We cannot afford nonchalance and must continuously commit to the equal treatment of all Americans, regardless of race, religion or social orientation.  The Q&A's were earnest.  One stemmed from an 11th grader who questioned the panel's views on the Trayvon Martin verdict.  "It was the murder of young, black youth whose killer was protected under unlawful laws," J. Bonds.  A 4th grader asked "How does it feel to have made a difference?"  Brilliant question and one we all need to ask ourselves.  "Change requires patriotic treason." (J. Bond)