"Well I think we hope to both empower and to educate," said the Senior Rabbi of Washington Hebrew Congregation M. Bruce Lustig. "To take an opportunity to make sure that the indifference that the American people have had to the cause in Darfur ends, that we recognize we are all part of one human family and that it is very important that we stand up and that we make our voices be heard."

A recent report from the United Nations says clashes between government forces and rebel groups continue to cause substantial civilian casualties, displace communities and hamper the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The marchers are calling for more pressure on the Sudanese government from the Obama administration.

Three years ago a group of interfaith activists began to hold monthly vigils at the Sudanese Embassy in Washington to speak up for the people of Darfur.

"We really are calling upon President Obama to make this a priority the way that President Clinton did with Bosnia," said group member Laura Cutler. "You know you can send all the envoys in the world, you can listen, you can encourage, but I understand all the priorities that he has tugging at him, but I think that that is what it is going to take."

As the march reached the White House and a rally was held across the street at Lafayette Square, Darfur activist and native Mohamed Yahya joined the protest.

"It is very unfortunate to see those tragedies going on in Darfur," he said. "Our people are brutalized and killed, and I lost 21 of my family members in one day."