Wednesday, 28 August 2019 marks the 56th anniversary of one of the most powerful moments in American history. For on that date – 28 August 1963 – the March on Washington took place. It was a march for civil rights led by a young preacher call Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

More than 200,000 people had gathered that day to protest against laws that discriminated against African-American people in several states in the American south.

As the crowds gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, songs were sung and several people made speeches. And then Martin Luther King spoke. It was an unforgettable moment. The words he used were simple, but they were stirring and timeless.

“I have a dream ...”, he told the crowd.

But it wasn’t just a socio-political vision or dream that Martin Luther King proclaimed that day, it was rooted in his Christian faith.

“With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.

“With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day…

“So let freedom ring ...”

A painting of Dr Martin Luther King Jr (by local artist David Bell)

on display during Féile an Phobail