Transcript for March on Washington 50th Anniversary Celebrated
This morning, thousands are gathering in the nation's capital to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the march on washington, widely recognized as the defining moment in the civil rights movement. Events are planned throughout the week, to remember dr. Martin luther king jr.'S dream and his passionate call for an end to racism in the united states. Abc's reena ninan spoke to people who were there that day and are ready to relive that historic walk once again. Good morning, reena. Reporter: Good morning, bianna. This isn't just a victory lap for civil rights. Activists and organizers tell us that what moved a nation to come here half a century ago, the issues of equal pay, equal rights, they still remain. ♪ Oh, freedom ♪ Reporter: They came in busloads from cities across america. And this morning, lynn french is preparing to make the journey back to the lincoln memorial, where americans demanded an end to racial inequality, after scenes like this. We were behind his shoulder in this picture. Reporter: French was just 16 years old when she attended the march. On saturday, her daughter, tanya, will join her to commemorate 50 years since that historic moment. I have a dream today. Reporter: That year, 1963. President kennedy addressed the nation on tv, boldly supporting civil rights. When all americans will have equal rights and equal opportunities. Reporter:50 years later, a black man who is president. It was such a joy. Yes. What is disturbing is to see that even with a black president, we still have a long way to go. Reporter: She says she's troubled by the death of florida teen trayvon martin. His badge of citizenship didn't protect him just being able to walk down the street and not be harassed. Reporter: Even her daughter acknowledges there's more work ahead. What's your hope for saturday's speech? It renews everyone's sense of home and gives people a sense of belonging to a larger purpose. Reporter: French hopes her generation's struggle will be remembered this way. Wednesday is the exact date of the 1963 march. That's when president obama and former presidents bill clinton and jimmy carter will address the crowd here at the lincoln memorial.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.