Lisa Crouch

Sharyn Hunter
ENG 1201 Online
February 1 2016

Summary of Let Freedom Ring by Barack Obama The Fiftieth Anniversary of the
March on Washington.

In the speech for The Fiftieth Anniversary of the March on Washington.

President Obama reminds American citizens that we need to be as courageous as the
citizens before us in our efforts to protect our freedom. He warns that this will not be easy
but that we can persevere with struggle, intent and purpose like those who marched on
Washington over 50 years ago. Because they marched, America became more fee and
more fairnot just for the African Americans but for women and Latinos, Asians, and
Native Americans; for Catholics, Jews, and Muslins; for gays, for Americans with a
disability. America changed for you and for me. (Obama)
He states that it has been nearly 200 years in 1963 since our forefathers basically
made our countries mission statement. We have yet to make good on those promises to all
Americans. People from all walks of life, many who were poor, dealt with segregation,
had no transportation to vote, forgotten citizens that had very little means made their way
to hear Dr. Kings speech.

Lisa Crouch
Sharyn Hunter
ENG 1201 Online
February 1 2016
These people kept the spirit that this will take hard work, sacrifice, and focus.
They knew that freedom must be won. These people knew they needed to continue to
march in order to change what is necessary for equality to happen for everyone.
Obama repeats that because these people marched that the laws changed. Because
they changed, America changed. It changed for all people of all races and back grounds.
America became more free and more fair. It inspired people all over the world when they
saw what courage and determination could conquer. President Obama reminds everyone
that to minimize this accomplishment means so many died in vain. To say that not much
has changed in our country waters down the courage that many have shown in their
efforts toward equality. It takes away their heroism.
He goes on to add that if anyone was to say that what they started was completed
would be unfair. There is still work to be done. We still need to continue to fight for
positive change and equality. From underfunded schools to economic opportunity there is
much work to be done and this requires persistence. None of us can take our eyes off the
prize if we want to live in freedom and a just society.
Dr. King explained that African Americans had the same desires as all men. They
wanted a fair shot at the same job opportunities, livable wages, health care, old age
security, education for their children, affordable housing and the chance to advance in life
through honest hard work. Obama wanted to highlight that 50 years ago these people

Lisa Crouch
Sharyn Hunter
ENG 1201 Online
February 1 2016
marched so that all Americans could have the opportunity to work hard and be a part of
the middle class regardless of their race. That our economic growth would yield enough
jobs for everyone and so hard working American citizens could thrive. He also reminds
that this was never only about African Americans but for all people.
Obama goes on to say that this will not be easy because of the global economy.
Some jobs have disappeared due to technology while others were simply absorbed by
another market across the world. Greed can get in the way and blind us of our true goals.
Hate can do the same. He reminds us to be honest with ourselves in that we may have lost
our ways at times. Through economic falls, assassinations that caused riots, and issues
with police brutality. Racism was sparked again and it caused grievances.
Obama says that the spirit is still there. He sees it when people of different races
recognize themselves and their loved ones in each other. He says that is where the courage comes
from, when we turn toward each other instead of away. That people who love their country can
change it for the better. 50 years ago, the men and women who marched are proof.

Lisa Crouch
Sharyn Hunter
ENG 1201 Online
February 1 2016
Works Cited

Obama, Barack. The Fiftieth Anniversary of the March on Washington. Lincoln

Memorial. 28 August 2013. Speech