It almost seemed like the '60s had returned, as a massive demonstration to help the downtrodden filled the grassy mall between the Washington Monument and the Capitol.
There were frequent refrains of "We Shall Overcome" mixed in with the rock music. A black preacher stirred a crowd including many blue jean-clad college students. Even an occasional whiff of marijuana smoke drifted by.In a rock concert atmosphere, a crowd estimated as large as 250,000 gathered in sparkling autumn weather in the nation's capital Saturday to call for decent and fair housing for all Americans.
"This is America's front yard," said actor Clifton Davis. "But there's a swamp out back and it's called homelessness. That swamp is gobbling up the spirit of America."
The memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who ignited a similar rally for civil rights here 26 years ago, was invoked more than once.
His widow, Coretta Scott King, told the throng that decent shelter for every American was promised in federal legislation 40 years ago. "We're here to ask Congress to redeem this promise," she said.
Folk singer Peter Yarrow of the group Peter, Paul and Mary said, "We are marching and it feels like a continuity with Martin Luther King and marches on Washington in the past."
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a King disciple, provided the emotional climax for the rally. "When we come together in numbers like this, we almost never lose," he said.
Jackson, who turned 48 on Sunday, was greeted by a chorus of "Happy Birthday" led by singer Dionne Warwick.
Dressed in blue jeans and denim jacket - attire in keeping with most of the crowd - he led the demonstrators in a chant, "Keep hope alive."
Jackson finished up by introducing Stevie Wonder and singing along with a new song Wonder composed for the occasion.
"Run, Jesse, run," the crowd shouted after Jackson said, "Just because you're homeless, you're not helpless and you're not hopeless."
Crowd estimates at such rallies almost always vary widely. March organizers often provide numbers substantially greater than those given by the police.
Rally sponsors said there were 250,000 people on hand, but the U.S. Park Police lowballed at around 40,000, one-sixth that total. District of Columbia Metropolitan Police said they counted around 75,000.
David Hayden, a rally planner, dismissed the police estimates with a shrug.
"Does that remind you of something?" he asked. "The nation's officials always underestimate the homeless."
A number of marchers said they were heartened particularly by the participation of many who are apparently members of the middle class.
David Bryant of San Diego, Calif., said his 3,000-mile journey was worth it. "We thought we were going to be alone," he said. "I'm on the point of tears. Someone cares about the homeless on the street."