Ke’Tara Wells/ N.W.A. Contributor
On Oct. 11, thousands stood at the National Mall for the 20th anniversary of The Million Man March, organized by the Nation of Islam leader Minster Louis Farrakhan. This year’s theme was “Justice or Else.”
Twenty years ago, the crowd was filled with African American men from all over the nation, with an estimated attendance record between 800,000 to 1.2 million. The 2015 march consisted of a younger generation, along with many women, children and other races in attendance.
“I went to the first march 20 years ago, and I’ve lived here in D.C. my entire life. There is progression due to the first march, but we are still constantly fighting for not only blacks, but also other citizens who experience inequality,said 66-year-old Eric Smith. “Although I’m still living, as you can see, this march is for the younger generation. It’s their time to continue fighting for justice.”
Farrakhan, 82, made it a memorable experience again this year as he conducted a two-hour speech regarding topics of politics, police misconduct, self-respect, abortion and self-love. This year’s march was not only catered to African Americans, but equality for all citizens in America as they acknowledged Hispanic Americans and Native Americans. In 1995, the minister focused on self-improvement, prevention of violence and supporting families in the black community.
The minister spoke on abortion and health matters, saying that women have the right to make their own decisions regarding their bodies. He shared that his own mother unsuccessfully attempted to abort him three times. “But it would be so tragic if the next ‘sitting bull’ was aborted, or if Malcolm X, Martin Luther King or Jesus was flushed away.”
Prairie View A&M University alumni Erica Ponder said, “Going to this march was a dream come true for me. Since I learned what the Million Man March was, I said that I would one day be a part of one, because it stood for everything I believed in.”
“With so many issues concerning social injustice right now, I felt this was a great way to not only celebrate the 20th anniversary, but to make a statement and say that I stand with the victims of police brutality, racial discrimination, and of course the women that face oppression everyday. My ancestors and other Civil Rights leaders have done their part, it’s time for me to do mine,” Ponder said.
Social media was buzzing through Washington streets and all over the world about the march. The cyber airwaves were blasted with hashtags like #MillionManMarch and #JusticeOrElse.
Many celebrities and politicians were also mixed in with the crowd. Celebrity sightings included J. Cole, Snoop Dogg, Common, Dave Chapelle and Toccara Jones.
Watch Minster Farrakhan’s speech below.
Related:
Minister Louis Farrakhan ‘SPITs Knowledge’ at Prairie View A & M University
