Racial Injustice/Equality
The Resurrection City Protest: Demanding Economic Justice
November 18th, 1968, marked a significant moment in the Poor People's Campaign, a movement organized by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to address economic inequality and poverty in the United States.
On this day, the campaign established "Resurrection City," a protest encampment on the National Mall in Washington D.C., where thousands of impoverished people from across the country gathered to demand economic justice and an end to poverty.
Resurrection City, constructed from plywood and tents, became a symbol of the plight of the poor and marginalized in America. Residents of the encampment, representing diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, endured harsh conditions and faced police harassment while advocating for their rights. They demanded jobs, housing, and a greater share of the nation's wealth.
While the campaign faced challenges and ultimately did not achieve all of its goals, it brought national attention to the issue of poverty and highlighted the intersection of racial and economic injustice. Resurrection City served as a powerful reminder that the fight for equality extended beyond civil rights to encompass economic justice and the eradication of poverty.
The events of November 18th, 1968, underscore the ongoing struggle for economic equality and the importance of addressing systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The Resurrection City protest serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring pursuit of a just and equitable society for all.