12 years later

October 16th, 2007 • Related • Filed Under

Young Black Professional Guide 12 years later Today is the 12th anniversary of the Million Man March, a “day of atonement” for black men across the nation that took place on the Washington Mall. Since then, Oct. 16 has been known as the Holy Day of Atonement. Minister Louis Farrakhan will speak about it today at the Atlanta Civic Center. Read about it here.

I was in ninth grade the day of the march and attended school just blocks from the event. Going to the march was a REQUIRED field trip for boys of ALL races at my school. It’s been a while since I really reflected on that day – years perhaps. Whenever I begin to, I usually stop shortly thereafter. The state of black men in America was a lot to take in at 14-years-old and it’s still a lot to think about today.

Here are just a few excerpts from The Pledge recited at the march:

“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 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 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. I will do all of this so help me God.”

Twelve years later, what are your thoughts on not just the event, but the state of Black men in America?

Eugene is a guest contributor at Intelligent Ignorance.

There Are 5 Responses So Far. »

Comment by MS on 18 October 2007:

As someone who attended the Million Man March and also hosted some educational satellite shows on the event, I must say I am disappointed in the fact that nothing truly has come of it. I did not attend for the muslim following. I went to be in a place where more than 1 million men like me would be to make a statement.

Statements were made but no follow through. 12 years later, all we have is rhetoric.
Comment by Jay on 19 October 2007:

Check out “Men Step Up, Government Steps Off?” at http://www.blackprof.com
Comment by Abdul Muhammad on 1 February 2009:

I attended the Million Man March and helped to organize buses so that other brothers could attend. Change is a process not an event. The Million Man March changed thousands, if not millions of lives. After the Million Man March there was a dramatic decrease in crime in the Black community. After the Million Man March, thousand of Black families adopted Black children across the United States. After the Million Man March brother went back home and attempted to work things out with their wives and girlfriends and become a part of their children's lives. After the Million Man March membership in every Black organization increased and new organizations were formed throughout the country. The Million Man March has inspired people all over the world to stand for justice. After the Million Man March there was a Million Woman March, Million Youth March, Million Moms March - there were 3 or 4 Million Man Marches in other countries as well.
Comment by Alissa on 10 February 2009:

I think that the pledge is kinda of unpractical and sorta wierd!'
What if someone put a gun to you or thretend to kill you you should be able to defened your self!
so yeah it is
Comment by Kevin J.D. Muhammad on 12 February 2009:

Ms. Alissa, if you would take the time to REALLY read the part of the pleadge that you are referring to you would see the last part states “except in self defense”. The Honorable Minister Louise Farrakhan would never ask us to turn the other cheek in that manner. That would be violating the first law of nature which is self preservation. By the way, was your man there?