{"value"=>"<p>This subseries chronologically details McLaurin's involvement in two separate Marches on Washington, both as an organizer and as a participant. Materials in this subseries are arranged by subject into Publications and Organizing Documents.</p> <p>A. Philip Randolph called for a March on Washington in January 1941 to protest racial discrimination in the National Defense industry and color bars in labor unions. The March was called off when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802 (Prohibition of Discrimination in the Defense Industry) on June 25, 1941. McLaurin served as the 1941 March's national secretary.</p> <p>As in Subseries II.C., McLaurin's title brings the dearth of 1941 March materials into sharp focus, especially in contrast with materials from the 1963 March, in which McLaurin was a participant and not a national organizer.</p> <p>Publication materials include newsletters, sample letters, bus signs, and journals promoting the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, called by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The newsletters and journals contain travel instructions for potential participants and a requested moratorium on speaking of the logistics of the March to news organizations. McLaurin and his wife, Margaret, traveled to participate as supporters. Both the 1941 and the 1963 Marches are described in clippings.</p> <p>Organization Documents include Special Committee meeting minutes for the 1941 March, and organizing manuals and planning reports for the 1963 March.</p>"}