14 june 1968 & puerto ricans prepare for poor people's campaign rally

#OTD 14 June 1968 Puerto Ricans from the East Coast and throughout the U.S. were joining Washingtonians in preparation for the rally to be held at the Sylvan Theater on the National Mall. Co-led by Gilberto Valentin, of the New York City Human Rights Commission, more then 4,000 were expected to attend the rally. Valentin reportedly stated, "We are here for the Puerto Ricans, but in full sympathy for the poor of America."

Your comments are welcome below. Did you, a family member or neighbor help to organize the rally? Did you attend? Do you remember reading about it in the newspaper or watching it on tv? Do you know Gilberto Valentin? You may comment privately here.

Photo source: Courtesy of DC Public Library Special Collections. Photographer unknown.

"Puerto Ricans Hold a Rally on National Mall," Evening Star 16 June 1968.