Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution the national museum of the United States. They are dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among peoples through the documentation preservation and dissemination of sound. Folkways Records believe that musical and cultural diversity contributes to the vitality and quality of life throughout the world. Through the dissemination of audio recordings and educational materials Folkways Records seek to strengthen people s engagement with their own cultural heritage and to enhance their awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of others. Our mission is the legacy of Moses Asch who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document “people s music ” spoken word instruction and sounds from around the world. The Smithsonian acquired Folkways from the Asch estate in 1987 and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has continued the Folkways commitment to cultural diversity education increased understanding and lively engagement with the world of sound.

On August 28th 1963 more than 250 000 people from across the United States gathered in Washington DC to join in peaceful protest against racial segregation and demand equal rights legislation from Congress. This radio broadcast with performances by Joan Baez Odetta Bob Dylan Peter Paul & Mary and Marian Anderson and featuring Martin Luther King Jr s inspiring “I have a dream” speech documents this pivotal event in the Civil Rights movement where the nation came together to demand that everyone be “…free at last!” Four page transcription of broadcast.