Lee County NAACP honors 63rd anniversary of March on Washington

Thousands gathered in Washington, D.C., 63 years ago for the March on Washington, and today, the Lee County NAACP is marking the anniversary with a local march and protest in downtown Fort Myers at the Federal Courthouse. The event is part of a nationwide effort by the NAACP and other civil rights groups, with this year’s theme, “Defend the Vote,” focusing on voting rights and what the organization describes as changes at the state and national levels that could affect those rights. In addition to voting rights, the group is advocating for protections for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, fair wages, affordable housing, and lower-cost groceries. Organizers are encouraging members and community partners to join the event as they reflect on the history of the March on Washington and what they say are ongoing struggles for civil rights and economic justice. “If we don't have a democracy, no one is going to have a voice,” Jacquelyn McMiller, NAACP chair of the political action committee, said. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.