23 years ago, it happened. Three years ago, it happened again. A few days from now, we’re commemorating it.
The historical Million Man March took place on October 16, 1995. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan spearheaded the march. Its purpose was for Black men to reconcile, to atone and to take responsibility for their families and their communities.
Nearly two million Black men of all creeds and classes stood on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The day was one of peace, and the attendants took a pledge of love, respect, and support of the Black community and Black businesses.
This day, October 10, commemorates Justice Or Else, the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March.
On October 10, 2015, Minister Farrakhan called together Black, Red, Yellow, and White, men and women, and those young and old to the National Mall to demand justice from the United States government.
Two major aspects of Justice Or Else are the holiday spending boycott and the 10,000 Fearless.
Every holiday season since 2015, Minister Farrakhan and organizers of Justice Or Else have asked Black people and those who are justice-deprived to withhold spending from Black Friday well into the New Year, and some have extended the boycott to Easter.
Minister Farrakhan has also asked for men and women that are fearless enough to intervene in many of the negative trends that plague the Black community, such as conflict and crime. The principle behind the 10,000 Fearless is to make our own communities decent and safe places to live.
Photo credit: Brother Jesse Blog
The 23rd anniversary Million Man March weekend falls on October 12-14 and will take place in Detroit, Michigan. According to the Final Call Newspaper, the schedule of events include conflict resolution training, elder abuse training, and a Million Man March alumni reflection social.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s keynote address is the culminating event of the anniversary weekend. In honor of Aretha Franklin, he is speaking live at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater on Sunday, October 14.
The residents of Detroit have opened themselves to receive his message as the anniversary of change approaches.
