In 1962, dissatisfaction had become prevalent in black communities throughout the U.S. The African American unemployment rate was double the rate of whites and major civil rights reforms had not yet been achieved. Asa Philip Randolph, labor leader and founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, proposed the idea of a march "for jobs and freedom."
This, however, was not the first time that Randolph had this idea. Many years earlier in 1941, Randolph had used the idea for a march on Washington to bring about change for blacks. He had given President Franklin Roosevelt an ultimatum: If Roosevelt failed to adequately address the issue of federal employment discrimination in the defense industry, a demonstration involving 100,000 blacks would ensue. Roosevelt was quick to respond with the creation of the Fair Employment Practice Committee. The march was halted.
This, however, was not the first time that Randolph had this idea. Many years earlier in 1941, Randolph had used the idea for a march on Washington to bring about change for blacks. He had given President Franklin Roosevelt an ultimatum: If Roosevelt failed to adequately address the issue of federal employment discrimination in the defense industry, a demonstration involving 100,000 blacks would ensue. Roosevelt was quick to respond with the creation of the Fair Employment Practice Committee. The march was halted.
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