June 1, 1968: Resurrection City Opens in Washington, D.C.
On June 1, 1968, Resurrection City began taking shape on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Built as part of the Poor People’s Campaign, the temporary settlement brought thousands of Americans to the nation’s capital to demand jobs, housing, and economic justice.
The campaign had been organized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. before his assassination in April 1968. After his death, leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference continued the effort, carrying forward King’s broader vision for economic equality.
Participants came from rural communities, inner cities, Native American reservations, and other underserved areas. The movement included people from different racial and economic backgrounds who shared one message: poverty could not be ignored.
Resurrection City was made up of hundreds of plywood shelters. Residents lived there while attending rallies, meeting with lawmakers, and calling for better access to jobs, housing, healthcare, and education.
Conditions were difficult. Heavy rain turned the camp into mud, and daily life was far from easy. Still, the settlement became a powerful symbol of people demanding to be seen and heard.
On June 24, 1968, federal authorities removed Resurrection City after its permit expired. Though the settlement was temporary, its message lasted.
Resurrection City remains one of the final major movements connected to King’s vision — a reminder that the fight for dignity, opportunity, and economic security has always been part of the larger struggle for justice.
Some movements are remembered for speeches.
Others are remembered for the communities they built.
Resurrection City was both.
#OnThisDay #ResurrectionCity #PoorPeoplesCampaign #HistoryMatters #LataraSpeaksTruth
