Among the civil rights activists, John Lewis's speech at the March on Washington resonated deeply with the public. Early in his address, he acknowledged James Farmer, the co-founder of the Congress on Racial Equality. Through this organization, Farmer and others peacefully protested for equal rights. However, Farmer was unable to speak at the March due to his arrest for "disturbing peace" in Plaquemines, Louisiana—a small parish …show more content…
He recounted how a pregnant African American woman was brutally beaten by a policeman, resulting in the loss of her baby, while the federal government took no action against the officer. Additionally, Lewis addressed the patronizing advice given to African Americans to "be patient and wait," which aimed to discourage rioting. Contradicting this, Lewis declared that African Americans had waited long enough for their freedom. His speech served as a compelling indictment of racial injustice, emphasizing the deep disappointment African Americans felt over their denied human