Sixty-three years ago today, 1963, a quarter-million people peacefully rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the civil and economic rights of Black people in America.

Anxiety has been running high on all sides over the potential for violence. Others deride the event: Malcolm X denounces it as a farce. Conservative commentators warn of Communists, fanatics and rampant crime. The sound system at the Lincoln Memorial is sabotaged the night before.

Activists, celebrities and musicians give speeches and make music. MLK delivers his “I Have Dream” speech.

For participants, the event will be referred to as a turning point. Some claim the nature of racism in America changes. Over the next two years, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act will be signed into law.