by S. Rotan Hale
The weather in the Nation’s Capital was as amazing as the incredible and positive energy that permeated from the thousands who gathered Saturday, Oct 10 on the US Capitol grounds for the historic 20th Anniversary of the first Million Man March (MMM) held in 1995.
The objective was a call to America urging “Justice or Else,” a theme many naysayers took issue with. Nonetheless, Nation of Islam (NOI) leader Minister Louis Farrakhan and others throughout the day, laid out with blistering clarity, the meaning of the theme–that has been misunderstood by many as a threat.
During the 6-hour program, a multi-generational and interracial body of dynamic speakers boldly blasted the tide of injustice that has unfortunately become an American standard while infecting the very foundation on which this (now) unstable nation stands.
During her impassioned speech, Tamika Mallory, co-chair, Justice League, NYC called names such as Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Oscar Grant, Freddie Gray and a host of other victims whose deaths she said, “20 years ago would have fallen on death ears… instead of broadcasted for the world to know.”
“America we can’t breathe,” she submitted through a delivery that was strong, focused and sent the message that “We will not let the deaths of our brothers and sisters go unnoticed.”
“When we say justice or else we mean exactly that. So to my friends who are scared with their skepticism, step aside cause ain’t nobody got time for that.”
The march was one of a broader scope as it gave voice to not only African Americans but featured a multiracial lineup of dynamic speakers from across the nation.
Among the speakers from various backgrounds were several Native American representatives. A visibly frustrated Chief Ernie Longwalker of the Red Wing Nation talked briefly about Native Americans who have “fought 500 years of oppression and injustice.”
He said the first slaves in America were taken in by his ancestors and… “on day 1 we–the Red man and the Black man, became blood brothers…and have fought side by side ever since.”
Another Native American who spoke, closed her comments with an unsuccessful “down, down USA” chant.
The velvet voice of singer/composer Rasul Muhammad blessed the event with a song he wrote and performed in Spanish that was surreal and incredibly uplifting. Muhammad wrote the song for Emiliano Zapata a Mexican revolutionary whose spirit he said “I feel is here with us today.”
Rev. Jeremiah Wright used a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who referring to the Civil Rights movement said, “What we face is a 3-headed demon: racism, militarism and capitalism.”
Like many of her heavy hitting counterparts on program who spoke with a certain defiance, Linda Sarsour an Arab American Muslim activist said, “the same people who justify the massacre of Palestinian people and call it collateral damage are the same people who justify the murder of young Black men and women.”
There were many powerful displays of effective oratory from great speakers however it was ever so clear that the huge numbers that gathered were there to hear Min. Louis Farrakhan who by all accounts was in rare form.
In a speech that lasted over 2 hours, the event’s charismatic founder touched on many of the main issues that have raised the hot pot of injustice to the boiling point.
Appointed by Elijah Muhammad, Farrakhan at 82, has led the NOI for almost 40 years and relishes in the success of this great organization that many will agree has done more to promote values of unity, dignity and self love and respect among African Americans than any other movement of its type.
Such values were strategically woven thoroughly into his message that also chastised various culprits as he prophetically spoke truth to power emphasizing the MMM theme of Justice or Else.
Among the many issues attacked was gun violence and Farrahkan called for “10,000 fearless men that we can train so we can stand between the guns.” He pointed to “rogue cops and wicked Black people working together to suck the blood out of the poor,” as a major part of the problem.
Farrakhan spoke about the killing of Malcolm X and brought brother Malcolm’s descendants on stage to show their support of him and to dispel age-old rumors about his involvement in the killing of their father.
Throughout his address he spoke frequently lifting the teachings of Jesus and in closing he suggested a boycott of Christmas. “Suppose this Christmas we kick Santa to the curb,” he said condemning the holiday as commercial and being anything but about Christ. “We spend half of the money we make in a year, during the Christmas holidays. “So this Christmas we are going to sit around the table and bring Christ back to a day that was supposed to honor him. Gather together and show love, forgiveness and reconcile your differences within the family and this will be the best Christmas ever,” he added.
As news outlets world-wide disseminate the story of the latest installment by Minister Farrakhan and his Million Man March, the question of where do we go from here, can only be answered by a people seriously taking action and being about change.
