Chicago, IL, August 1, 2026 —

Chicago marked the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic 1966 protest against redlining and housing discrimination with a commemorative march on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Hundreds of participants gathered at Marquette Park, the same location where Dr. King led demonstrations six decades prior.

The event featured addresses from several prominent figures who spoke about the continuing struggle for racial justice. Among the speakers were Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Grammy Award-winning artist Common.

Speakers underscored the persistent challenges of poverty, racism, and militarism, echoing Dr. King’s call to confront these “triple evils.” The commemoration served as a reminder of the historical fight for housing equality and the ongoing efforts to address systemic injustices.

The 1966 march in Chicago was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, drawing national attention to the discriminatory housing practices prevalent in Northern cities. Dr. King and his family faced significant hostility during their time in Chicago, but the movement raised awareness and contributed to legislative changes aimed at combating segregation and discrimination.

The gathering at Marquette Park on August 1, 2026, brought together activists, community members, and leaders to reflect on the progress made since 1966 and to recommit to the pursuit of equality and justice. The speeches highlighted the interconnectedness of economic, social, and racial justice issues and the need for continued advocacy and action.



Story summarized from the original created by Mary Norkol on chicago.suntimes.com, see more information here.

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