50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

Revisiting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message of unity to improve society, including access to health care.

“Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy,” said Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the March on Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963.

“We commemorate the day for the influence and power it holds 50 years later,” says Kathleen Potempa, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, dean of the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN). “The words of Dr. King are part of our national fabric; we have made many strides and yet, we have much more to do to ameliorate health disparities in a country that espouses to have the greatest medical knowledge and technology.”

For many people, the fight for social justice has evolved to embrace a variety of issues. One imminent challenge facing the country today is health care access and reform, as the Affordable Care Act progresses toward fuller implementation. In fact, the Michigan State Senate approved a compromise vote on the "Healthy Michigan" Medicaid expansion plan during the March on Washington 50th anniversary week, bringing it close to reality..

While not a part of the “I Have a Dream" speech, the urgent need to eliminate health care disparities that affect underrepresented communities was a cause Dr. King often championed. "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane,” he said.

“We have to diligently foster not just tolerant communication, but engaged appreciation for the richness of our diversity,” says Dean Potempa. “We have to assure educational access to those who aspire to academic achievement. There is much to commemorate, and still much to be done.”

More information from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.