What Was the March on Washington?

A big concern was how to keep marchers safe.

Rustin worked with Washington’s police chief. A vast security force was on standby: 8,900 policemen, firemen, National Guard and army members, and marines. In case of a riot, they were armed with guns, clubs, and toxic tear gas.

Thirty helicopters were also on standby, sent to Washington from Fort Bragg. Washington’s main hospital had a disaster plan ready.

In addition, Rustin assembled a team of unarmed marshals. They were taught how to control a crowd without force. Also, there would be leaders on every bus to explain to passengers what to do if someone insulted or hit them. They were to ignore it and not fight back. They should leave it to the marshals to respond. There were to be no acts of civil disobedience that could lead to arrest.