On this date in 1995, the Million-Man March was held in Washington, D.C.
Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam organized this march to symbolize African American solidarity. The autumn chill of that day was barely noticeable to the one million who gathered and wrapped themselves in racial pride and unity. The world witnessed the largest gathering of African Americans in the history of the United States, and 2.2 million people saw the event on television.
Those who participated reflected the diversity of America. They included laborers, educators, postal workers, truck drivers, police officers, attorneys, waiters, electricians, ministers, business people, doctors, government employees, artists, chefs, musicians, teachers, pharmacists, entertainers, athletes, and politicians.
Fathers, husbands, brothers, uncles--all Black men telling the nation that they will take responsibility for the social despair in their communities--each telling the nation that they will help reduce Black-on-Black crime, respect Black women, and seek spiritual support and guidance.
