NEW ORLEANS—To commemorate the anniversary of the historic 1995 Million Man March, Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans organized a youth essay contest aimed at helping the next generation learn about and reflect on one of the most powerful gatherings in modern history.
The contest encouraged young people to explore the purpose, message, and ongoing impact of The Million Man March, called by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. The gathering, which attracted nearly two million Black men, continues to inspire calls for atonement, reconciliation, responsibility, unity, and moral renewal nearly three decades later.
The contest was open to New Orleans youth aged 16 to 21. Participants were invited to choose from three reflective prompts: Why does the Million Man March still matter today? What lessons about unity can be learned from The Million Man March?
Or How did the Million Man March call Black men and the community to greater responsibility? Submissions were required to be 500–750 words in length, typed. Winners were announced on October 25, with an awards ceremony held at Muhammad Mosque No. 46 the following day.
Student Minister Willie Muhammad, who organized the contest, shared his inspiration for launching the project. “On a daily basis I work with youth, and every year during the anniversary of the historic Million Man March I have created assignments to help them to learn about the March and watch video footage. This year we were able to do the essay contest. It’s a creative way to help younger generations learn about this modern miracle.”
This year’s winner, Khaalidah Muhammad, a junior at Grambling State University, delivered an essay that beautifully captured the spirit and enduring legacy of The Million Man March. Her writing reflected a deep sense of pride, connection, and reverence for the unity and transformation it inspired among Black men and families across the nation.
An excerpt from her essay reads: “This was a monumental moment in Black history. Around that time it was rare to see that many Black men come together and no violence come about. They came together for their families; to lead a legacy of peace and unity. The Million Man March gave the Black community its backbone back.
The march showed that Black men can stand together, and no system can break their spirit. It is a legacy; one that my father was a part of, that reminds all of us that the fight for unity and accountability will go on, not just through marches, but through acts of leadership, resilience, and love.”
In her thank-you message, Khaalidah expressed heartfelt appreciation: “I would like to say thank you to those who organized the Million Man March essay contest. I am truly honored to be recognized and grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the impact that it continues to have today.
This experience has reminded me of unity and leadership in our own communities. Thank you again, Muhammad Mosque 46, for believing in young voices like mine.”
—Submitted by Student Minister Willie Muhammad