Grand Basileus Mark E. Jackson Calls for Action at 2026 March on Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 28, 2026 — Sixty-three years after hundreds of thousands gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Americans returned to the nation’s capital Friday for March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote.
Convened by the National Action Network and the Drum Major Institute, the nonpartisan, Black-led, multiracial and interfaith mobilization brought together civil rights, faith, labor and community organizations to defend voting rights, protect equal opportunity and demand economic dignity. The program began Friday morning at the Lincoln Memorial, on the same date and ground where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic address in 1963.
Among those addressing the gathering was Bro. Mark E. Jackson, 43rd Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., who brought greetings on behalf of more than 200,000 men of Omega represented around the world.
Standing on what he described as “hallowed ground,” Grand Basileus Jackson reaffirmed Omega Psi Phi’s longstanding commitment to justice, equality and the principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. He honored the civil rights leaders whose footsteps helped shape the movement, including A. Philip Randolph, Congressman John Lewis, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Omega men Bayard Rustin and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
Jackson drew a direct connection between the demands of the 1963 March and challenges confronting the nation today. He called attention to voting rights, fair wages, housing and lending practices, healthcare, education, the criminal justice system and political gerrymandering, declaring that the continued pursuit of civil rights, justice and equality “is not a spectator sport.”
His message echoed the central purpose of the 2026 mobilization: the work begun generations ago remains unfinished. Organizers described the March as a response to continuing challenges to voting rights and equal opportunity and a call for communities to remain engaged in protecting the rights secured through generations of sacrifice.
Closing with the spirit of two giants of the Civil Rights Movement, Grand Basileus Jackson invoked Congressman John Lewis’ charge to “get into some good trouble” and Dr. King’s enduring reminder that injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere.
For Omega Psi Phi, the moment represented more than participation in a historic gathering. It was a reaffirmation that Uplift requires action—and that the Brotherhood remains committed to helping move the work of justice forward.
Photo Credit: Bro. Norm Senior, International Editor of the Oracle
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