Bogalusa to Baton Rouge March

See this marker at 800 Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801.

The Bogalusa to Baton Rouge March began on August 10, 1967. Led by Civil Rights activist A.Z. Young, Robert “Bob” Hicks and Gayle Jenkins, the march was referred to as the “105-mile gauntlet.” While facing substantial opposition requiring protection from 2,200 National Guardsmen and police, the march grew from 25 to 600 people during the journey. On August 20, 1967, during a rally on the steps of the State Capitol, Young presented a list of grievances to Gov. John McKeithen regarding employment discrimination and the election of 10 African Americans running for local offices in Bogalusa. The protesters’ efforts were ultimately successful, leading to better hiring and voting practices.