Frame Size (H x L): 23.5” x 38.5”
Pennant Size (H x L): 12” x 26.5”  

Offered is a triangular pennant with a bold red, white, and blue color scheme, made of a textured, slightly fuzzy felt with neatly stitched edges. On the left side, the words "Civil Rights NOW!" are displayed in large, white block letters against a deep blue background.

The design transitions into a red section featuring the phrase "PEOPLES MARCH FOR" in white uppercase letters, followed by the word "FREEDOM" in striking blue with a white outline. Along the bottom edge, additional text reads "JOBS - JUSTICE - EQUALITY" in white letters against a red background. The layout is dynamic, with angled text emphasizing the central theme of freedom, and the tip features three small white stars, reinforcing the patriotic message.

This is an exceptionally rare and visually striking Civil Rights pennant, distinguished by its bold color scheme and powerful messaging. Among Civil Rights-era pennants, this example stands out as one of the most graphically compelling and desirable, making it a centerpiece for any collection of historical memorabilia.

This pennant was produced for and used during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, a landmark event in the Civil Rights Movement. The march drew over 250,000 people to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., making it one of the largest political rallies in U.S. history.

Organized by a coalition of civil rights, labor, and religious organizations, the march was a massive demonstration advocating for racial and economic justice. Participants demanded an end to racial discrimination in employment, desegregation of public schools, protection of voting rights, and a federal minimum wage increase, among other reforms. The overwhelming turnout and peaceful nature of the demonstration played a crucial role in shaping national attitudes toward civil rights.

One of the most defining moments of the march was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered in front of the Lincoln Memorial. His powerful words emphasized racial equality, unity, and justice, envisioning a future where people would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin.

The speech became one of the most iconic orations in American history, cementing King’s legacy as the leading voice of the Civil Rights Movement. Beyond King, the march featured speeches and performances from other influential figures, including John Lewis, who represented the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and artists like Mahalia Jackson and Bob Dylan, whose performances added to the event’s emotional impact.

The march had a direct influence on the passage of major civil rights legislation. The national attention it garnered helped push forward the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

It also contributed to the eventual passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate racial barriers to voting, particularly in the South. These legislative victories marked turning points in the struggle for racial equality, though many of the economic demands of the march, such as fair wages and employment opportunities, remained ongoing battles.

On the verso of the pennant, the manufacturer’s printing reads: "Freedom Pennant / St. Clair, Scott, Baldwin." It is unclear whether this refers to a place, a manufacturer, or both, but St. Clair, Scott, and Baldwin are all Pennsylvania townships located south of Pittsburgh.

While the March on Washington was a unifying moment, it also revealed tensions within the Civil Rights Movement. Some activists, particularly younger and more radical leaders, felt the event was too moderate and did not go far enough in demanding immediate action against systemic racism.

Nevertheless, it demonstrated the power of mass nonviolent protest and remains a symbol of collective action in the fight for justice. Today, the march is commemorated as a pivotal event in American history, inspiring subsequent generations of activists advocating for equality, justice, and human rights.

Conservation Process: This pennant was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the pennant, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The pennant is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The pennant is housed in a high-quality black frame with a sleek, slightly beveled profile that adds a refined and professional presentation.

Condition Report: The pennant is in excellent condition, with vibrant red, white, and blue colors that remain well-preserved despite its age. There is minimal wear, and the felt material retains its original structure, with only light signs of handling or storage.

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors
Date of Origin: 1963