AUGUST 24 “THIS WEEK IN THE MUSIC OF NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE”

On August 28, 1963, 250,000 people from across America mobilized in Washington, DC for “The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” Organized by Bayard Rustin, the March featured Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Less known is the history of music at one of the largest demonstrations for freedom in the world.

Bob Dylan and Joan Baez sang freedom songs, while renowned African-American singer Marian Anderson (above) performed a Negro spiritual, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

Songs such as Anderson’s spiritual were anthems for a movement, and harkened back to the African-American struggle to end slavery in the 19th century.

To listen to more of Marian Anderson’s music, visit NPR’s site.