Thousands March On Washington During Million Man March 10th Anniversary
Published: Monday - October 17, 2005
Words by Allen Starbury
Minister Louis Farrakhan (Photo: n/a)
A vast sea of people from all over the nation and around the world gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Saturday (October 15) for the Millions More Movement, which also marked the 10th anniversary of the original Million Man March.
Organized by Minister Louis Farrakhan and a slew of other organizations including Russell Simmons' Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), the movement's main objective was to make it clear to America's poor that without unifying and organizing its own systems and practices that begin at home and carry forth to entire communities, nothing will ever change.
"The government will never do for the poor of this nation until and unless we organize effectively to make government respond to the needs of the poor," Minister Farrakhan declared to thunderous applause that reverberated down the Mall during his 80-minute speech on the West Front balcony of the United States Capitol. "We must go back home and organize as never before."
As Farrakhan addresses the massive crowds, he focused on the theme of self-empowerment and responsibility. He called for the establishment of ministries in every area of public service including health and human services, agriculture, education, defense, justice, art and culture, trade and commerce, information and science and technology.
The ministries would help allow the Black community, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and poor people everywhere to rely on themselves for those services which, in the past, have been substandard at best.
"Minister Farrakhan has some wise words," said Troy Harris, a film student from Chico, California. "It is time for us to build up our own services. It is time to organize our own processes. Because what's there, hasn't worked."
"Imagine if we had ministries during the hurricane and we didn't have to rely on the government," added Kyra Jones, a 25 year old special education teacher from Maryland.
Although, thousands and thousands of people were in attendance to support the new movement, Farrakahn emphasized the need to act beyond what was happening in the nation's capital to make a difference and to really "create a movement."
"The success of this march will be that we take charge of our communities and make a difference in the 2006 elections," stated the Reverend Al Sharpton.
The presence of hip-hop artists such as Wyclef Jean, Jim Jones, Jadakiss, Styles P, Doug E. Fresh, Chuck D, Erykah Badu and India.Arie helped to stress the importance of building an ongoing movement inclusive of youth, and further showed the hip-hop community's active involvement in a positive future.
"The mission of the hip-hop community is to eliminate poverty and ignorance and the Millions More Movement presents an excellent opportunity for all of good will to work together in unity," said Russell Simmons.
To register and join the Millions More Movement, go to MillionsMoremovement.com.
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