Freedom Now Rally
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
On August 3, 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King addressed a crowd of 10,000 at this intersection. His "Freedom Now" tour to Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, and Boston was in gratitude for support given to his Southern Christian Leadership Conference. King brought his message into northern Black neighborhoods, supporting local civil rights efforts and raising funds. His goal was to empower the formation of a coalition to address their common concerns.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
On August 3, 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood at this Philadelphia intersection and addressed a crowd of 10,000. His "Freedom Now" tour carried the movement into the Black neighborhoods of northern cities — Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston — to thank supporters, raise funds, and bolster local civil rights efforts. King's aim was to knit a broad coalition around the shared struggles Black communities faced across the country.
Why it matters
It marks the civil rights movement's deliberate turn northward in the mid-1960s, insisting that racial justice was a national cause, not a Southern one.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.8 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer2.8 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center2.9 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center2.9 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center2.9 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall2.9 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand0.6 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo0.7 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.0 mi away
- Rocky Steps1.2 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir1.5 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King2.7 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory2.7 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe2.7 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca2.8 mi away
- Park’s Salad Bar2.8 mi away
- Fat Salmon2.8 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City2.2 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel2.3 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City2.3 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City2.3 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia2.3 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express2.3 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Martin Luther King Jr.
Related events
- · Freedom Now Rally
Themes & tags
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