There have been many great and consequential men throughout the annals of history who have contributed to society, done great works and impacted the lives of others.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, National Representative of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, is such a man; however, he is so much more.
While many of our “greats” and luminaries are generally viewed through the lens of their political, civil rights or humanitarian works and other grand achievements, Minister Farrakhan is unique.
As the Nation of Islam and Black people observed and commemorated the 30th anniversary of the historic and life-transforming 1995 Million Man March and Holy Day of Atonement on October 16, it should also be a time to express gratitude to Allah (God) for the man who, for more than 70 years, continues to reach and teach the multitudes and who called the March.
Part of Minister Farrakhan’s uniqueness is that his great works, like those of his Teacher, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, are Divinely Commissioned and therefore should be viewed and examined through the lens of the scriptures.
The Bible provides several examples of Jesus “teaching the multitudes.” According to the Bible, Jesus taught the people where they were, regardless of their condition or station in life, or what offense or indiscretion they may have committed. He taught them without judgment or condemnation.
Minister Farrakhan, having a heart shaped and molded by Allah (God), does the same. Inspired and backed by Allah (God) and the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Minister Farrakhan saw the tremendous problems and challenges plaguing the Black community, particularly Black males. He issued a clarion call to the multitudes.
In the Gospels of the Bible in the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke, there are accounts of the Pharisees questioning Jesus’ disciples about why their teacher was eating with “tax collectors and sinners.” Jesus responded to their question.
In Mark 2:17, it states, “When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (KJV)
In 1995, nearly two million Black men from all walks of life responded to a Divine Call from Allah (God) through Minister Farrakhan and convened in Washington, D.C., under the theme of “Atonement, Reconciliation and Responsibility.”
Even those unfamiliar with or who may not subscribe to religious scriptures are hard-pressed to deny or overlook Minister Farrakhan’s work and impact on the hearts and minds of our people, as brothers who were atheists and agnostics also attended the Million Man March.
Despite different political or religious ideologies, various socio-economic backgrounds, or even cultural differences, Black men responded to his call. As a result, lives were forever impacted and changed.
At the encouragement of Minister Farrakhan, Black men returned to their families and communities, working to improve and repair them. There are thousands upon thousands of testimonies from Black men and women who, three decades later, continue to be impacted by that day, that Minister Farrakhan described as, “A glimpse of heaven.”
There were increases in Black voter registration, Black adoptions, community engagement and activism, Black-owned businesses and decreases in violence.
Brothers repaired relationships with their wives, children, and other family members with whom they were estranged. Minister Farrakhan taught the multitudes that day, and they were inspired, rejuvenated, and returned with renewed spirits.
“This event was not just a march; it was a momentous occasion that will forever be etched in the annals of American history. It was a powerful display of unity and purpose, inspiring us all to strive for a better future.
It was a moment that connected Black men to a larger movement,” wrote David C. Miller, Ph.D., in a column he penned, titled, “The Million Man March Turns 30: Why it Still Matters,” published on wordinblack.com.
“Thousands of Black men returned to their communities, joined organizations, and registered to vote as a direct result of the inspiring messages delivered at the march.
Others continue to do life-affirming work in communities motivated by the legacy of the march, ensuring that its impact is felt for generations to come, giving us all hope and inspiration for the future,” added Dr. Miller, who leads a rite of passage initiative in Baltimore.
Minister Farrakhan has consistently demonstrated his commitment to and love for Black people, particularly, and for the human family, proving time and time again that he is Divinely Anointed by Allah (God) as he continues to reach and teach the multitudes.
Despite the tremendous success of the Million Man March, Minister Farrakhan continued to call humanity back to the theme of “Atonement, Reconciliation and Responsibility” as an opportunity to inspire and warn us to be better and to do better. More importantly, his calls have been and continue to be a demonstration of his love for us, which we must extend to each other.
He called subsequent gatherings to Washington, D.C., including The Million Family March in 2000, The Millions More Movement in 2005 and Justice or Else in 2015. Every time Minister Farrakhan called the multitudes, by the hundreds of thousands, they came: Black, White, Indigenous/Latino, Asian, young, and old.
Allah (God) raises, appoints, and anoints His servants to guide the people back to the straight path if they have gone astray. And as it states in part in the Holy Qur’an, Surah 6, verse 125, “Allah best knows where to place His message.”
The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad said of His National Representative, “Brother, you don’t have to study. Stand up and Allah will speak through you.”
The world must bear witness that Allah (God) has spoken and is speaking through the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and we should thank Allah (God) for His servant who continues speaking to and teaching the multitudes.