In the News

Warrensville Heights Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge missed hearing the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his historic "I Have a Dream" speech at 1963's March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom because she was just ten years old.

When a new crop of marchers celebrates the event's fiftieth anniversary this week, Fudge will deliver her own speeches from the stage as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

At Saturday's 50th Anniversary March on Washington Realize the Dream March & Rally, Fudge will address the crowd sometime between 11:30 and noon. Later on, she will march with civil rights leaders, according to Congressional Black Caucus spokeswoman Ayofemi Kirby.

On Tuesday, she'll attend a White House reception in honor of the march hosted by the President and First Lady. She will also join the President, as well as former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, as a speaker at Wednesday's "Let Freedom Ring Commemoration and Call to Action," which happens on the march's actual 50th anniversary.

Kirby said Fudge's remarks at both events will focus on protecting voting rights and ending the disparities that minority groups face in their opportunities for health care, education, and economic opportunities.

"We have made great strides, but of course, there is still much work to do," said Kirby. "The civil rights movement today may look different, but in many ways it is still the same issues and challenges we are trying to overcome."

After the August 28 event in Washington, DC, Fudge will return to Cleveland so she can attend the "March on Washington, the Anniversary," with her constituents. The free program co-sponsored by the Urban League of Greater Cleveland and a variety of civic and corporate sponsors will be held that night at 7 PM in the Cleveland Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Avenue.