Wednesday 28 August marked the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's March on Washington, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. U.S. President Obama, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Michelle Obama and former U.S. President Bill Clinton attended the commemoration held at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In praising the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other key leaders, Obama heralded the “unsung heroes” in his speech, citing the seamstresses, steelworkers, students, teachers, maids, Pullman porters and others who showed up on that steamy day 50 years ago — and whose determination ultimately prevailed.