PHILADELPHIA, PA–The Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, Inc. and the Independence Historic National Park Service will hold a commemorative ceremony honoring the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington where Dr. King delivered his “I Have A Dream” Speech at the Liberty Bell Center located in Philadelphia on Monday, August 28, 2023. The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. and conclude with the symbolic ringing of the Liberty Bell in honor of this momentous event at 12:30 p.m.
In attendance will be elected officials, clergy, soloists, corporate leaders, and those whose institution played a role in the events that took place during the time of Dr. King’s visits to the City of Philadelphia. Renowned vocalist Rachel Merrill will sing the spirituals “How I Got Over” and “I Been ‘Buked and I Been Scorned,” which were sung by Mahalia Jackson at the first March on Washington on August 28, 1963. Speeches will be given by various invited guests.
Joye Nottage, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, stated, “We are so pleased to be able to have a celebration of this significant event here in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ Philadelphia. A reminder for all of us to bind our hearts together in peace, love and unity.” The Liberty Bell Center is located at 5th and Market Streets. This event is open to the public. However, seating in the chamber is reserved by special invitation only and has limited seating. Some Covid protocols may still be in place, however, wearing a mask is optional.
The King Association is the first and ONLY affiliate of the King Center in Atlanta commissioned by Mrs. Coretta Scott King to promote and perpetuate the nonviolent legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was founded in 1983 by the late Hon. Dr. C. DeLores Tucker and is now led by, Dr. William Tucker. Philadelphia has and continues to enjoy a unique and historic role in the life of Dr. King and his memory.
