March on Washington Reconfigured to Comply With Virus Rules in DC
By Aaron Morrison and Ashraf Khalil ••
NBC Universal, Inc.
The Rev. Al Sharpton
Amid widespread protests and unrest over the police killings of Black Americans, a national commemoration of the 1963 civil rights March on Washington is being reconfigured to comply with coronavirus protocols in the District of Columbia.
Although many marchers will arrive via charter buses from surrounding communities on Aug. 28, the Rev. Al Sharpton, one of the organizers, will ask some to join satellite marches planned in states that are considered hot spots for COVID-19.
“We’re following protocol,” Sharpton told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview. “The objective is not how many thousands of people will be [in Washington]. It’ll still be a good crowd.”
The commemoration, taking place on the 57th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream" speech, will begin with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial.
We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.
Martin Luther King III, a son of the late civil rights icon, attorney Benjamin Crump and the families of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, are expected to participate in Washington.
We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Following the commemorative rally, participants in Washington will march to the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in West Potomac Park, next to the National Mall, and then disperse.
All participants will be required to wear masks, Sharpton said. Organizers also will provide hand sanitizing stations and conduct temperature checks throughout the event.
“The objective is to put on one platform, in the shadow of Abe Lincoln, the families of people that ... have lost loved ones in unchecked racial bias,” Sharpton said. “On these steps, Dr. King talked about his dream, and the dream is unfulfilled. This is the Exhibit A of that not being fulfilled.”
The revised plan appears to avoid a potentially awkward faceoff with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser's government over COVID-19 restrictions in the nation's capital. In late July, with local infection numbers rising, Bowser ordered that anyone traveling or returning to Washington from a virus hot spot must self-quarantine for 14 days. The list is revised every two weeks and the newest list, released on Aug. 10, classifies 29 states as hot spots.
Bowser, when asked on July 30 about the potential conflict, said government officials had been in contact with march organizers and that Washington would not be relaxing its virus rules for participants.
“They are aware of all the local guidance that would affect their planning,” she said. “If there are people who are coming from jurisdictions that are on that list, they would need to be quarantined.”
The application for the Aug. 28 event has already been approved by the National Park Service. Operating under a permit application submitted by activist and radio host Rev. Mark Thompson, the original application estimates 100,000 participants. NPS spokesman Mike Litterst said the permit has not been issued yet, but it's normal for such permits to be issued closer to the actual event. Litterst said his agency was discussing COVID-19 mitigation plans with the organizers but that compliance with local virus restrictions was “not a requirement or condition of the permit.”
Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Demonstrators gather near the White House to protest the death of George Floyd in downtown Washington, DC on June 1, 2020. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Members of the Secret Service counter assault team return to the White House after U.S. President Donald Trump posed for photographs in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church June 01, 2020 in Washington, DC. Trump held up a bible while standing in front of the church, which was partially burned during violent protests the night before. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump encouraged U.S. governors to be more aggressive against violent protesters following several nights of nationwide violence in response to the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police. “You have to dominate or you’ll look like a bunch of jerks, you have to arrest and try people,” he was reported saying during a call from the basement White House Situation Room. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: U.S. Secret Service officers stand on the roof of the West Wing while keeping watch on protesters gathered outside the White House June 01, 2020 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump encouraged U.S. governors to be more aggressive against protesters following several nights of nationwide violence in response to the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police. “You have to dominate or you’ll look like a bunch of jerks, you have to arrest and try people,” he was reported saying during a call from the basement White House Situation Room. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Trucks transport District of Columbia National Guard troops along West Executive Drive in support of law enforcement officers that are keeping demonstrators away from the White House June 01, 2020 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump encouraged U.S. governors to be more aggressive against protesters following several nights of nationwide violence in response to the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police. “You have to dominate or you’ll look like a bunch of jerks, you have to arrest and try people,” he was reported saying during a call from the basement White House Situation Room. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 1: Protestors demonstrate against the death of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis on June 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. Thousands of protesters took to the streets throughout the Washington to continue to show anger at Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin who was filmed kneeling on George Floyd’s neck before he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Floyd’s death, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans while in police custody, has set off days and nights of protests across the country. (Photo by Joshua Roberts/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Demonstrators confront law enforcement during a protest on June 1, 2020 in downtown Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Law enforcement officers monitor a protest on June 1, 2020 in downtown Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Demonstrators confront law enforcement during a protest on June 1, 2020 in downtown Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: A demonstrator holds up a sign in front of a police line during a protest on June 1, 2020 in downtown Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 1: Protestors demonstrate against the death of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis on June 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. Thousands of protesters took to the streets throughout the Washington to continue to show anger at Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin who was filmed kneeling on George Floyd’s neck before he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Floyd’s death, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans while in police custody, has set off days and nights of protests across the country. (Photo by Joshua Roberts/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators stand around a fire during a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: People are seen running out of a store during a protest atLafayette Square Park on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Tom Lynch/NBC Washington
A fire breaks out near the White House on Sunday, May 31, 2020. (Photo: NBC Washington)
Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
People protesting the death of George Floyd hold their hands up at Lafayette Square next to the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington,DC. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
People protesting the death of George Floyd hold placards at Lafayette Square next to the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington,DC. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Members of the Secret service speak with demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd, near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Large crowds of protesters stand behind gates at Lafayette Square near the White House on Sunday, March 31, 2020. Hundreds of US Park Police and Secret Service officers face the demonstrators, who were chanting “George Floyd” and “Breonna Taylor.” (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Large crowds of protesters stand behind gates at Lafayette Square near the White House on Sunday, March 31, 2020. Hundreds of US Park Police and Secret Service officers face the demonstrators, who were chanting “George Floyd” and “Breonna Taylor.” (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Large crowds of protesters near the White House on Sunday, March 31, 2020. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Hundreds of people peacefully protest at Howard University in Washington, DC on Sunday, March 31, 2020. They plan to march to the White House to demonstrate against police brutality. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Hundreds of people peacefully protest at Howard University in Washington, DC on Sunday, March 31, 2020. They plan to march to the White House to demonstrate against police brutality. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
A protester holds a sign in Washington, DC on Sunday, March 31, 2020. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
A protester holds a sign in Washington, DC on Sunday, March 31, 2020. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Demonstrator kicks a burning dumpster outside of the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington D.C., during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by Jose Luis Magana / AFP) (Photo by JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AFP via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – MAY 29: A person loots a T-Mobile store near the White House, as protests continue following the death of George Floyd, in Washington on Friday, May 29, 2020. (Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators hold a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd in the early morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police hold a perimeter near the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the killing of George Floyd in the morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Large demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd swept around the White House and Lafayette Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020 and into the night. (Photo: NBC Washington/Nick Leimbach)
Large demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd swept around the White House and Lafayette Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020 and into the night. (Photo: NBC Washington/Nick Leimbach)
People walk past a damaged shop one block from the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington DC, during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police hold a perimeter near the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the killing of George Floyd in the morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: A demonstrator stands near a trash can fire near the White House while protesting the killing of George Floyd in the early morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images
WASHINGTON,DC – MAY 31: Protests over the murder of George Floyd on May 31, 2020 near the White House in Washington, DC. (Photo by Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
People walk past a damaged shop one block from the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington DC, during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Broken coffee shop window is seen near to the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington D.C., during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by Jose Luis Magana / AFP) (Photo by JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AFP via Getty Images)
Large demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd swept around the White House and Lafayette Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020 and into the night. (Photo: NBC Washington/Nick Leimbach)
Broken coffee shop window is seen near to the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington D.C., during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by Jose Luis Magana / AFP) (Photo by JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AFP via Getty Images)
Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators stage a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 29: A U.S. flag burns during a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators gather around a fire during a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators set a fire and burn a U.S. flag during a protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police hold a perimeter near the White House during a protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators stage protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators stage a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. ormer Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: A person comes walks through a broken glass door after the building was vandalized during a protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 29: A person takes items out of a coffee shop after the place was broken in to during a protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Damage can be seen in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a night of protests following the death of George Floyd. (Photo: NBC Washington/Matt Glassman)
People walk past a damaged shop one block from the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington DC, during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Large demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd swept around the White House and Lafayette Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020 and into the night. (Photo: NBC Washington/Nick Leimbach)
Damage can be seen in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a night of protests following the death of George Floyd. (Photo: NBC Washington/Matt Glassman)
Damage can be seen in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a night of protests following the death of George Floyd. (Photo: NBC Washington/Matt Glassman)
Damage can be seen in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a night of protests following the death of George Floyd. (Photo: NBC Washington/Matt Glassman)
Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images
Washington,DC Mayor Muriel Bowser(C) walks with officials and the media on June 1, 2020 near the White House, looking at damaged property left by demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd, in Washington, DC Sunday night. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Workers clean up Lafayette Park near the White House following overnight unrest, June 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue across American following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Workers clean graffiti off of an entrance sign to the AFL-CIO headquarters that was vandalized during overnight unrest, June 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue across American following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Sharpton's civil rights group, the National Action Network, is working with its local chapters to hold commemorations in Kentucky, South Carolina and Texas, where outdoor jumbo screens will display a live simulcast of the rally in Washington. All of those states are currently on Washington's hot spot list.
The NAACP, one of several partners in this year's commemoration, last week launched a website for a virtual March on Washington. The site will livestream the Washington march, in addition to other programming leading up to and after the event.
The Movement for Black Lives, a coalition of more than 150 Black-led organizations that make up the broader Black Lives Matter movement, will hold its virtual Black National Convention later in the evening. Organizers said their convention will coincide with the unveiling of a new political agenda intended to build on the success of this summer's BLM-themed protests, which called for the defunding of police departments in favor of investments to healthcare, education, housing and other social services in Black communities.
Sharpton first announced plans for the commemoration during a June memorial service in Minneapolis for Floyd, a Black man whose death at the hands of police galvanized nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. The march's theme — “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” — is inspired by a refrain from Sharpton's eulogy for Floyd, who died May 25 after a white police officer held his knee to Floyd's neck.
The civil rights leader has called for participants in other states to march on their U.S. senators' offices, to demand their support of federal policing reforms. Sharpton said protesters should also demand reinvigorated U.S. voter protections, in memory of the late Congressman John Lewis who, until his death on July 17, was the last living speaker at the original March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
In June, the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act, which would ban police use of stranglehold maneuvers and end qualified immunity for officers, among other reforms.
In July, following Lewis’ death, Democratic senators reintroduced legislation that would restore a provision of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 gutted by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013. The law previously required states with a history of voter suppression to seek federal clearance before changing voting regulations.
Both measures are awaiting action in the Republican-controlled Senate.
“Everybody is trying to jump from demonstration and to reconciliation, with no legislation," Sharpton said. “If we don’t have the legislation, we’ll be back here again.”
___
This story was first published by the Associated Press on Aug. 11, 2020. It was updated on Aug. 18, 2020, to correct that the National Park Service has approved the application for the permit for the march but the actual permit has not been issued yet.
