ATLANTA—On the weekend of October 9–11, thousands of Nation of Islam members came to Atlanta, Georgia, to commemorate the 31st Anniversary of the historic 1995 Million Man March. The weekend was one of reflection, family and looking ahead to the future.
On October 16, 1995, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan called one million Black men to Washington, D.C., and nearly two million showed up. The theme was: Atonement, Reconciliation, and Responsibility. It was a miraculous occasion and one the world had never seen in modern times.
Since then, several commemorations have honored that historic day. In 1997, inspired by the Million Man March’s success, Black women held the Million Women March in Philadelphia, which was organized by longtime activist Empress Phile Chionesu.
Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, wife of Minister Farrakhan; Mother Tynnetta Muhammad, wife of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Student Minister Ava Muhammad, National Spokesperson for Minister Farrakhan, spoke at the women’s gathering.
Minister Farrakhan called subsequent gatherings to D.C. In 2000, the Million Family March took place. In 2005, the Millions More Movement took place. In 2015, to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March, Minister Farrakhan called for Justice or Else (10.10.15).
This year’s celebration in Atlanta called for a return to the 1995 March’s original purpose and theme.
Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, National Assistant to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, hit the ground running on Thursday, Oct. 8, and visited several local radio shows and podcasts to share information about and to reflect on the Million Man March and the redemptive work of the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
His stops included the following shows and hosts: Vibin’ With Veto, Derrick Boazman, Reec Swiney, Killer Mike, and the Tony and Toni Show.
Student Min. Ishmael told hosts Tony and Toni on WALR Kiss 104.1 that people 40 and under often do not know about the phenomenal gathering of nearly two million Black men. “No one man had ever called for a million men before.
And a million men answered that call, bringing nearly two million,” Student Min. Ishmael said during the Oct. 8 broadcast. “We didn’t go to Washington to make demands on government. We didn’t ask for jobs or petition for justice.
For the first time in our history, we went to make a demand on ourselves—built on the principles of atonement, reconciliation, and responsibility. As Minister Farrakhan said, we didn’t answer the call of Louis Farrakhan; we answered the call of God through him.”
October 9 began with Salat-ul-Jumu’ah, the Islamic Friday congregational prayer service. Muslims gathered on Friday, Oct. 9, at The American Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Nation of Islam Student National Imam Sultan Rahman Muhammad delivered the spiritual message and led the prayer service. (See The Final Call, Vol. 46, No. 2)
Despite the cloudy, overcast day, the spirit was bright and cheerful for Family Fun Day, held Saturday, Oct. 10, at Hillside International Truth Center.
The afternoon offered something for all ages, including righteous music performances, games, vending from Black- and Muslim-owned businesses, food, and health screenings, including blood pressure and vision checks. (See page 23 in this edition.)
The weekend inspired and uplifted people who traveled from across the country. Sister Cheryl Muhammad drove from Birmingham, Alabama. “I am so grateful to have left the storm behind me and make it to Atlanta to participate in the Holy Day of Atonement with other believers (Muslims),” she said. “Everyone was so pleasant and warm, and I really enjoyed all the performances,” she said.
Sister Rachael X traveled from Buffalo, New York, and said she was overjoyed to attend.
Rachael X, stated, “I am over the moon with this beautiful experience. The sisterhood and the brotherhood reflected a wonderful disposition; you could feel the spirit of everyone emanating love,” she said of the weekend.
On Sunday, Oct. 11, thousands packed the Georgia World Congress Center for the keynote message from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, delivered through his National Assistant, Student Minister Ishmael R. Muhammad, on the still critical and crucial theme of “Atonement, Reconciliation and Responsibility.”
The weekend resonated with many brothers and sisters from around the country. “This year was the best Holy Day of Atonement I have experienced,” said Brother Ken Stringer of Birmingham, Alabama. “I am thankful to be amongst the believers (Muslims), family, friends, and supporters of the Nation of Islam,” he said.
Contributing Writers Michael Z. Muhammad and Shawntell Muhammad contributed to this report.
Photo: Courtney 2X
