March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote

Rev. Al Sharpton and NAN Partner

With the King Family and Community Organizations

For the March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote

Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III to Lead “March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote”

The National Action Network (NAN), led by Rev. Al Sharpton, has announced “March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote,” taking place Friday, August 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The event marks the 63rd anniversary of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Rev. Sharpton will co-chair the march alongside Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, with support from the Drum Major Institute and a broad coalition of labor, civil rights, faith, and community organizations.

Among the national organizations already committed to participating are the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), NAACP, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), National Urban League (NUL), National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), UnidosUS, the Working Families Party, the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA), and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Additional organizations and houses of worship are expected to join in the coming weeks.

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke is also expected to participate alongside a delegation of members of Congress.

Organizers say the march comes at a pivotal moment as concerns grow over voting rights in the United States. The nonpartisan event will unite civil rights leaders, clergy, labor organizations, youth advocates, and community leaders around three central priorities: protecting voting rights, advancing economic opportunity, and addressing affordability for working families.

“Defending the vote means defending the foundation of our democracy,” said Martin Luther King III. “Sixty-three years after my father stood at the Lincoln Memorial, we are called to march again—not only in remembrance, but in action.”

Arndrea Waters King added, “The March on Washington 2026 is a moral call to protect democracy for every generation. We march to defend the vote, honor those who sacrificed for it, and ensure that every voice is protected.”

Held under the theme “Defend the Vote,” the march will honor the legacy of the 1963 demonstration while calling on Americans to protect and strengthen voting rights for future generations.

Registration for the March on Washington 2026 is now open through the National Action Network. Organizers say additional speakers, program details, and participating partners will be announced in the weeks ahead.