The Commitment March will take place on August 28th, 2020 – the 57th anniversary of the historic March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. This inclusive day of action initiated by National Action Network will demonstrate our advocacy for comprehensive police accountability reform, the Census, and mobilizing voters for the November elections.
The HBCU Buzz team and partners are hosting this HBCU meet-up @ McPherson Square Park (15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005) starting at 8am. Don’t forget to wear your HBCU Gear as we march as one to the National Mall to join the National Action Network festivities. Although we are in an unprecedented time in America, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are doing our part to slow the spread of the virus, we remain resolved to fight for the enduring appeal enshrined in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
We are grateful for your willingness to galvanize support for this historic March on Washington.
Register here to let us know you’re marching with us.
Here’s what to expect:
AGENDA
- 08:00 AM – Gather (McPherson Square Park – (15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005)
- 08:00 AM – Socialize (Safe Distance)
- 08:00 AM – Sign Making
- 10:00 AM – Rally
- 10:45 AM – March to National Mall (17th Street Entrance)
- 11:30 AM – Join NAN Commitment Program
- 01:00 PM – March (Lincoln Memorial to West Potomac Park)
- 03:00 PM – Conclude
LOGISTICS:
On the morning of the March, crowds will gather at 8 AM and will be directed to McPherson Square Park (15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005) after the Rally we will march down 17th street to Constitution Avenue on to the 17th St., NW entrance of the National Mall, to begin the process for admittance. To participate, each person must receive a NAN branded neon green wristband and a ticket. To receive a wristband and ticket, each person must have their temperature checked, must wear or receive a face mask, gloves (optional), and hand sanitizer from our volunteers, lined up along 17th in between each distribution center. The full program will begin at 11 AM. At 1 PM we will begin marching toward the MLK memorial.
More information about the day of march logistics and the answers to any FAQs about signage and banners permitted on the Lincoln Memorial Grounds can be found in the attached march deck and site maps and on the NAN Website here.
COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOL:
To minimize the spread of COVID-19, HBCU Buzz & partners will adhere to the guidelines set forth by the CDC and Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office. Here are some of the steps we are taking to ensure the safety of our communities:
- We are mandating that all march participants MUST wear face masks to participate and adopt social distancing practices.
- A note: A good rule of thumb for social distancing is if you can reach your arms out to the side of you and in front of you without touching another person who also has their arms extended you probably have 6 feet of space between you!
- We will provide physical guides to ensure that participants adhere to social distancing guidelines at the National Mall location.
- We will provide hand sanitizer, gloves, and face masks to anyone who does not bring them.
PLEASE NOTE: To protect your health and the health of others, in compliance with COVID-19 Washington, DC Health Guidance for Conservation of Personal Protective Equipment, you are required to wear a PPE mask in public in Washington, DC. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges those participating in large gatherings to use face masks.
Upon Entry to March Site @ The National Mall (17th Street Entrance)
- For entry to the Mall grounds, surrounding the reflecting pool, each participant must have their temperatures checked using infrared thermometers, receive or have on facemasks, gloves, and hand sanitizer at distribution tents at points of general entrance to March participants.
- Each participant will receive a wristband upon completing our process for admittance. Participants who do not comply will not be allowed entry.
- Provide physical guides to ensure that people remain at least 6 feet apart.
- Display C.D.C., and D.C. Dept. of Health signs attached to standalone bike right at the general entrance, make announcements during programming, and additional signage throughout the March frequently reminding participants to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to indicate safe distances in all areas of the mall and West Potomac Park.
- Provide hand sanitizing stations that will be placed porta-john facility throughout the mall and West Potomac park that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Encourage participants to bring their water and provide cold water and distribution sites.
- Encourage march participants to maintain their distance through Marshal, who are identified by orange vests at the Lincoln Memorial, during the procession to West Potomac Park.
We are in a historic moment in the country, where the confluence of two pandemics COVID-19 and police brutality have uncovered the gross inequities that continue to persist in our society due to structural racism. It is time to redefine public safety to uproot systemic racism, inequity, and white supremacy. As such we must vigorously engage in the democratic process through the ballot box and census as a mechanism to achieving transformation. To meet this moment, we propose encouraging voter engagement and census participation as levers in support of the following agenda.
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