Watch CBS News

Dozens Make Trip From Baltimore To D.C. To Celebrate Dr. King's Famous Speech

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The events leading up to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington kick off in our nation's capital.

Monique Griego has details on the those making the trip from Baltimore.

Downtown Baltimore---the gathering site---as dozens of people embark on a ride to Washington. Saturday, they honored a defining moment in the American Civil Rights Movement while also making history themselves.

"I have a chance to actually walk the same path that he walked, still fighting for some of the same things that he's fighting for," said Michelle Horton.

Horton wasn't born when Martin Luther King Jr. made his historic "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington in 1963.

"The Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty," King said during his famous speech.

But this time, as tens of thousands gather to commemorate that day, she and her kids will be there.

"It would be a great experience for me, as well as my children, to be like, 'Look, I was part of history. I did this,'" said Horton.

Related Story: Marching For King's Dream: 'The Task Is Not Done'

Horton and the others are traveling to the march, just as thousands of Dr. King's supporters did 50 years ago. And while the world is certainly a different place, marchers don't feel the fight is over.

"I think we came a little way. But in my opinion, I don't think we came a long, long way," said Hilda Ellison.

Ellison was there for the first march, and believes Dr. King's message is still a driving force.

"People want something out of life, people want to do something about what's happening in the world. It makes me feel great," Ellison said.

For many of the riders, this trip, this experience, is also about making sure the next generation knows what it took to get here.

"The parents want their children to know it's about life, it's about a dream that he had for all of us to be as one," said Alethia Boone.

Some of the issues the group hoped to bring attention to were unemployment and problems with the health care system.

The bus ride was organized by the United Healthcare Workers East Union.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.