The Million Man March

They came to Washington D.C. from all over the United States---hundreds of thousands of African-American men eager to send an important message. They came to accept responsibility for themselves and their families. And they pledged to work toward improving their lives and their communities.

The marchers gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol on the morning of October 16, 1995. For 12 hours, the men listened to speakers such as poet Maya Angelou and civil-rights activist Jesse Jackson. The rally ended with a long speech by the march’s organizer, Louis Farrakhan, head of the Nation of Islam. Farrakhan urged the men to accept traditional values, join religious groups, and register to vote.

The message of the march wasn’t controversial---but Farrakhan was. Some African-American groups didn’t join the march because it was organized by Farrakhan. In the past, the influential leader had upset many people with anti-Semitic and anti-white comments and other opinions that seemed to fan racial and political tensions. Also, some African-Americans were angry with Farrakhan became women weren’t invited to participate in the march. Nevertheless, most people believe the “Million Man March” succeeeded in its goal of uniting and inspiring African-American men.

Government officials estimated that 400,000 men participated in the march. But people still call the event the Million Man March.