The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963 marked a significant turning point for racial rights in the United States. During this event, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, which became a defining moment in the struggle for civil rights. The march drew over 250,000 participants, both black and white, advocating for economic equality and civil rights. This event increased national awareness and support for racial justice and laid the groundwork for future legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, highlighting the importance of nonviolent protest in achieving social change.