Dayton Reporter

DAYTON, OHIO — Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) recently interviewed civil rights icon Dr. Jessie Gooding, who led a group of Dayton residents to participate in the historic March on Washington 61 years ago. At the end of their conversation, Congressman Turner presented Dr. Gooding with a proclamation celebrating his commitment to fighting for civil rights and against racism.

Key moments from the interview included reflections on the day of the march and its impact:

Congressman Mike Turner asked Dr. Jessie Gooding about his memories from that day. Dr. Gooding recalled, "At the time, we decided to charter a coach to accommodate the Dayton crew...We got to Washington early the next morning, and when we got to Washington, I said this thing ain’t going to be nothing. But that was about 7:30 or 8:00. Boy, the buses started coming in by the hundreds. After that, over 2,000 people showed up...We were probably among the first to get there, but after a while, boy, the buses came from every direction."

When questioned about the crowd's reaction to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech, Dr. Gooding responded, "Oh, it was a rouse! He set the crowd on fire...that was a great day. That changed America, really. That speech helped change America...After Dr. King, we were trying to change before, but he gave us more security to keep fighting. And that’s what we did."

Towards the end of their discussion, Congressman Turner acknowledged Dr. Gooding's contributions by presenting him with a proclamation honoring his leadership and role in civil rights movements throughout his life.

Turner stated during the presentation: "I understand that your high school is going to honor you for your leadership, your role in civil rights, and what you’ve done for the whole country. They have asked me to present a proclamation to you as your congressman."

He continued reading from the proclamation: "Whereas Jessie Gooding is one of the original foot soldiers of the civil rights movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and led a group from Dayton to the March on Washington D.C., in 1963; he set out to right the wrongs he witnessed and experienced in his community by combating racism and discrimination in various sectors including military service law enforcement housing employment education and leading efforts toward desegregating Dayton public schools."

Turner concluded with an expression of gratitude: "We are all in deep gratitude for you."