12 years later

October 16th, 2007 • Related • Filed Under

Young Black Professional Guide 12 years laterToday 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.

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