R.A.G.E.

Dr. King referred to the August 1966 march into Marquette Park and the other efforts of the Chicago Freedom Movement that summer as the “first step in a one thousand mile journey.” In many ways, that march, as well as the series of organizing efforts associated with the Movement, was about challenging a divided city and reclaiming the notion of home for families denied the basic human right to live freely in thriving communities. 

The symbolic 1,000 Mile March will retrace a portion of the historic August 1966 march into Marquette Park in order to celebrate and amplify the triumphs and ongoing challenges of conditions King confronted in communities across Chicago 50 years ago. 

Join us for the 1,000 Mile March on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. on 63rd and Kedzie Avenue as we walk through nine city blocks into Marquette Park, celebrating the legacy of the Chicago Freedom Movement and acknowledging the ongoing efforts of organizers far and wide to strive towards a more just and equitable city. The journey for justice continues and on that Saturday, we will march together acknowledging how far we have come and how much farther we have to go. 

Register for this half-mile long march at www.mlkmemorialchicago.org. A $10 registration fee is requested to cover march expenses, but can be waived for interested participants unable to supply the fee. Individuals and organizations can also provide donations to sponsor marchers. 

The 1,000 Mile March will be followed by a lively rally with celebrities, artists and activists at the Takin’ It to the Streets Festival and Summit in Marquette Park. This special day will also provide marchers and festival attendees with the opportunity to view and engage the first permanent memorial built to commemorate King and the Chicago Freedom Movement’s historic march into Marquette Park.