A pivotal moment in U.S. history that defined civil rights was the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. This event highlighted the demand for racial equality, economic justice, and civil rights for African Americans, drawing over 250,000 participants. It galvanized national attention, leading to significant legislative milestones like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The march became a defining symbol of the civil rights movement, illustrating the unity and determination of activists striving for social justice.