Long Live the Spirit of the Million Man March! Remembering 31 Years of Unity and Purpose

WASHINGTON – On October 16, 1995, Black men converged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the Million Man March—a historic call for unity, personal responsibility and stronger communities.

Called by Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan and organized with support from civil rights organizations and community groups, the gathering encouraged Black men around the globe to strengthen their families, support Black businesses and challenge negative stereotypes. Speakers included Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cornel West, Dr. Betty Shabazz, and several others.

Buses filled with men from Atlantic City left the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex in the early hours of the morning to keep their appointment with history. Thirty-one years later, Atlantic City Focus remembers this milestone in Black history and its message of collective responsibility.

Were you there—or did someone in your family attend? Share your memories with us.

The Pledge

I PLEDGE that from this day forward I will strive to love my brother as I love myself. I, from this day forward, will strive to improve myself spiritually, morally, mentally, socially, politically and economically for the benefit of myself, my family and my people.

 

I PLEDGE that I will strive to build businesses, build houses, build hospitals, build factories and enter into international trade for the good of myself, my family and my people.

 

I PLEDGE that from this day forward I will never raise my hand with a knife or a gun to beat, cut, or shoot any member of my family or any human being except in self-defense.

 

I PLEDGE from this day forward I will never abuse my wife by striking her, disrespecting her, for she is the mother of my children and the producer of my future.

 

I PLEDGE that from this day forward I will never engage in the abuse of children, little boys or little girls for sexual gratification. For I will let them grow in peace to be strong men and women for the future of our people.

 

I WILL NEVER again use the ‘B word' to describe any female. But particularly my own Black sister.

I PLEDGE from this day forward that I will not poison my body with drugs or that which is destructive to my health and my well-being.

 

I PLEDGE from this day forward I will support Black newspapers, Black radio, Black television. I will support Black artists who clean up their acts to show respect for themselves and respect for their people and respect for the ears of the human family.

― The Million Man March Pledge

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