Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary captures what is considered by many to be the largest ever civil rights march on Washington. The third march of 1993 for gay, lesbian and bisexual rights captured global media attention. Although varying estimates ranged form 300,000 to 1 million participants, what proved to probably have more impact on the nation was the diversity of the participants. March organizers had invited a wide representation of groups to join the organizing committee and each group succeeded in bringing a constituency to the march. Video footage shows Jewish groups, African American groups, Asian Pacific Islander groups, veterans/active military groups, disabled groups and a myriad of other groups. From the video footage, it seems inconceivable that any cross-section of American culture wasn’t represented in some way. Even though the main focus of the film is a basic statement about civil rights, the producers have created several sections where the footage focuses on AIDS, health care, gay marriage and gays in the military. Many of these issues have taken on more importance for the present. A significant number of notable politicians, religious leaders, and entertainers are shown offering words of wisdom, insight and humor but the march is best remembered for the individuals who at one point in their lives decided to stand up and be counted.