President John F. Kennedy had several hopes and expectations for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which took place on August 28, 1963. Some of his key hopes for the march included:
Support for Civil Rights Legislation: President Kennedy was a proponent of civil rights, and he hoped that the march would generate public support for his proposed civil rights legislation, which would later become the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He believed that a successful and peaceful march would demonstrate the urgency of passing this legislation to address racial segregation and discrimination.
Nonviolent Demonstration: Kennedy was concerned about the potential for violence and unrest during the march. He hoped that the event would remain peaceful and that the civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., would continue to promote nonviolent protest as a means of achieving their goals.
Show of Unity: The president wanted the march to be a show of unity among civil rights activists, African American leaders, and their allies. He saw it as an opportunity for various groups to come together and present a united front in the struggle for civil rights.
Highlighting Economic Injustice: Kennedy was also interested in the economic aspect of the march. He wanted the event to shed light on economic disparities and inequality faced by African Americans and emphasize the importance of jobs and economic opportunities as part of the civil rights movement.
Ultimately, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was a historic and peaceful gathering of hundreds of thousands of people, and it played a significant role in advancing the civil rights movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech delivered during the march remains one of the most memorable moments in American history, and the event contributed to the eventual passage of major civil rights legislation.