March On Washington Anniversary: A Young Leader In The March Reflects

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Martin Luther King, Jr. 

On the day of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, I had the distinct honor of interviewing Mr. Alonzo Batson, an educator selected to serve on the Governor's Task Committee for the state of Virginia. Mr. Batson was a youth who attended the March on Washington and offers some great insights in this interview:

 What was the context of your attendance at the March?
 

I was a 13year old student. I was the President of the Oklahoma State Chapter of the youth NAACP. The Black leaders in the state met in Oklahoma City and decided that we would participate in the March. I was part of that meeting.

 What was the emotional atmosphere at the time?

Oklahoma, at that time was a totally separate but not equal state. Black were supposed to go to the back doors for food service at white restaurants, bathrooms and water fountains were segregated. There was only one day of the year Blacks could go to the city amusement park. In Tulsa, the city of my birth and growth was a city that flourished with the separate but equal policy. We really didn't have to interact with the Euro-Americans.

 Did you feel like you were making difference?

Sure, I felt that the numbers and attitude we displayed in Washington on August 1963 let the World know we were serious about equal right for all people, economic equality and unity for America. Alas, I was wrong.

Were there any personal sacrifices you made in order to be there?

Being the Youth President of the Youth chapters, I had to raise funds for us to go. My biggest achievement was that I personally raise enough monies to sent 3 buses of youth from Tulsa, 3 buses from Oklahoma City. 1 bus from Muskogee and one bus from Lawton, Oklahoma.

 How did you get that banner and what made you hold on to it?

The banner was proof I was there. My parents moved to a new house that same year and I pinned the banner over my bed and it has been there ever since. With the upcoming 50th anniversary, I asked my brother, who still lives in the house, to send it to me.

Mr. Alonzo Batson with his original banner.

 Looking back, and looking at 2013, do you feel that Blacks have progressed in terms of what you all marched for or have Black Americans regressed?

Blacks have improved their status. However, the the basis or tenet for The March has not been achieved. Blacks have given up the values and principles that  adherence to the purposes of the march would have brought about. The system of racism has be re-defined and we, Afro-Americans, have been caught as unsuspecting participants in this redefinition.

What would you say to your younger self in retrospect about that day?

Keep focus and be ever vigilant.

What would you say to young Black Americans today about keeping The Dream alive?

"To thine own self be true" - Shakespeare. I say to them reject self hatred, love your people. I say to them that being true to principles and values will bring about achievement in all areas of their life. I say to them to not become available to become a statistic. This country is a country that profits from slavery of the body in the past to slavery of the mind now. I say to them that it's not too late.

 What are some things you took away from The March about society as a whole?

Our country is truly a melting pot. At The March all components of this country were in attendance. We blended as one then. We have been separated in today's reality through class, gender, economic warfare.

 Did you face any negative repercussions for participating in the March?

None; we returned to our respective towns and cities and became active in our pursuit for equality and justice. But as I've said before, we have got a whole lot of work to do.

My Take Away from the interview: 

Because that moment on the Washington Mall brought about a oneness in this Nation, since then, there has been an underlying and systematic attack on seeing that level of unity. I believe this generation is poised to either be the Great Reconcilers  or the Great Dividers. Only time can tell which route we will take. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one who lead going before the people not from behind. We must not make ourselves an available statistic, but stand up for our rights, not be silent or indifferent to injustice, and like Mr. Batson, make our mark on history in a positive way, no matter how young or old, no matter how small or great our contribution. Everyone had a part to play in showing the fabric of this Nation as One Nation Undivided and that we can stand for justice. A very key part of being Undivided that many leave out is Martin's faith in God. His natural leadership was driven by the his spiritual leadership. You see, we can only lead so far without God's divine guidance and help. May this Next Now Generation fully embrace that truth!