This Is the Day: The March on Washington

Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the March for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, at which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial, this handsome black-and-white collection of 79 photos showcases Magnum Photos photographer Freed’s (1929–2006) deft eye for capturing important and emotional moments. The historical images are supplemented by a firsthand account from civil rights stalwart Julian Bond, an essay by sociologist Michael Eric Dyson, and a discussion of Freed’s work by scholar Paul M. Farber. At his best, Freed captures the dignity of the individuals as well as the drama and tension of the day. In addition to capturing the overall event and the incredible numbers in attendance, Freed also shot many affecting individual and smaller group portraits from this truly pivotal day in our nation’s journey. A second chapter presenting Freed’s images from the 20th anniversary march in 1983 also contains strong work, including a portrait of Jesse Jackson and another of a lone protester standing in the Reflecting Pool. This release follows Getty’s 2010 reissue of Freed’s classic 1967/68 volume, Black in White America. Photos. (Feb.)