Documentary Appraisal

We Shall Overcome: Documentary of the March on Washington LP

This item is a vintage vinyl record album, specifically a 'broadside' titled "We Shall Overcome: Documentary of the March on Washington." The album cover features a striking design dominated by an orange background with bold, dark brown or black text. The title "WE SHALL OVERCOME!" is prominently displayed at the top in large, block letters. Below the title, smaller text identifies it as a "DOCUMENTARY OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON," with the recording "PRODUCED BY THE COUNCIL FOR UNITED CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS." The cover also lists key participants "IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE," including "I HAVE A DREAM" SPEECH BY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., MARIAN ANDERSON, ODELL, JOAN BAEZ, BOB DYLAN, WHITNEY M. YOUNG, JR., JOHN LEWIS, ROY WILKINS, PETER, PAUL AND MARY, BAYARD RUSTIN, AND A. PHILIP RANDOLPH. The lower half of the album cover features a black and white (or monochromatic sepia-toned) photographic image depicting a large crowd of civil rights protestors marching, many holding signs with slogans such as "DEMAND VOTING RIGHTS NOW!," "END SEGREGATED RULES NOW!," and "PUBLIC SCHOOLS NOW!". At the very bottom center, the record label and catalog number are visible: "BROADSIDE RECORDS BR 592." The physical condition of the album cover appears to be aged, with some visible wear and tear, and potential scuff marks on the surface, particularly noticeable around the text and image area, suggesting it is a used item. There are no obvious major tears or deep creases, but the surface exhibits a slight sheen, which might indicate it was once protected by a plastic sleeve. The style and content clearly place this item in the mid-20th century, likely from the early to mid-1960s, documenting a pivotal moment in American history.