By David Jordan Jr
2015 marks 20 years since the “Million Man March” was held in Washington D.C. on the National Mall. Organized by the Head of the Nation of Islam, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, this historic event was arranged to encourage and empower black men in the United States of America. The state of black men in America in 1995 was at an extremely low point in regard to how black men were treated by non blacks, the portrayal of black men in the media and the facts involving educational and career opportunities reinforced the ill truths of what it was to be a black man in America. Minister Farrakhan called out to all black brothers in the country to come together for one day of love, education, uplifting and positivity. Against all odds and the naysayers, October 16, 1995 was a day of total love and uplifting energy. Many of the special guest included prominent black leaders, educators and seeds of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s such as Dr. Betty Shabazz, Rosa Parks and the son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Martin Luther King III. Media and many critics fed a negative perception and stereotype of black men to the country, indicating in their reports and writings prior to the event that blacks couldn’t come together without incident and that the intended number for participants would not be met. Despite these negative reports the day for the Million Man March came and took place without incident and the numbers exceeded the one million hoped for (false numbers of crowd size were given by many different sources that indicated a low number of participants, some even saying there were 200,000 people) truly proving that there is significant strength in numbers and that one man can make a difference. The 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March will be commemorated with the “Justice Or Else” event taking place on October 10th 2015 in Washington D.C. With everything that has taken place in the United States Of America since 1995 to black people, especially within the last 5 years, this event could prove to be even more impactful and meaningful than the first march in 1995. Massive incarceration rates for black men, the number of blacks living well below the poverty line, the inequality in education, the lack of job and career opportunities for blacks and the continued brutality and unjustified killings and racism are all ills that continue to affect black people in America and have made things even worse for black people in America in 2015. The media in this country is only giving you a “created” glimpse into what is going on in this country in regard to what is happening to blacks. At this point there has not been a significant mention or celebration of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Million Man March, nor the “Justice Or Else” event. The media and major networks have not promoted a great deal of awareness about the Million Man March and the forthcoming anniversary. It is up to the people to make this, not any other entity.
“If we are denied what rightfully belongs to us then there has to be unified action that we take that will force the justice that we seek.” This statement by Minister Farrakhan reiterates the importance of coming together and standing for something; fighting for what is yours through the constitution as a citizen of this country. As with any movement for justice and equality, there has to be a consistent and strong effort for the attainment of certain rights and freedoms. Words with no action is the same as buying a car with no wheels; right intention but going nowhere. BE THERE. | 10.10.15
