Share

Million Man March anniversary inspires memories

A startling newsletter was released by the Protective Services Bureau of the Division of Intelligence and Information Analysis within the U.S. Capitol Police regarding the upcoming “Justice or Else” rally. Twenty years ago, Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, urged African-American men to travel to the nation’s capital. Farrakhan and others plan to rally in Washington, D.C, again this Saturday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the March and to renew a call for justice. Despite this fact, the newsletter states, “given today’s negative racial climate and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement … there are legitimate concerns that the second march may not be as peaceful”. Buses left Thursday evening for the event that’s focused on bringing African American men together.

Advertisement

Immediately afterward, organizers said that around 1.7 million black men registered to vote and participation by black men in social and civil organizations skyrocketed. The National Park Service has refused to give crowd estimates on mall activities since.

MUHAMMAD: We want the federal Department of Justice to intercede on behalf of those mothers and families and fathers who are grieving the loss of their loved ones who were killed by police across this nation. Tens of thousands of black men from across America gathered at the base of the Capitol, and the Mall, in a rally of unity, self-affirmation and protest.

Last week, Farrakhan had a few “inflammatory comments” of his own while discussing the upcoming march, as reported by Breitbart, and warned that both Donald Trump and ISIS are “plagues” against America.

Now Willis is the Virginia State and Greater Richmond Board Committee Member of The Million Man March. Michael G. Tobin, the office’s executive director, said, in a statement, “By monitoring the police response of those attending the Justice or Else gathering, the community can feel comfortable that everyone will be allowed to exercise their First Amendment rights”.

Attendees at the Million Man March raise their fists October 16, 1995 in Washington, DC. Although several notable women like Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks and Dorothy I. Height were included with the speakers, the spotlight was squarely on black men that day. The objective of the march was to galvanize men to respect themselves and others spiritually, morally, mentally, socially, politically and economically.

Advertisement

“It’s shortsighted of us to see every form of activism from the ground up as ecumenical”, she said.

US Capitol Police Warn Nation Of Islam Rally Could Get Violent In 'Race