To help preserve that legacy, Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans recently held its Second Annual Historic Million Man March Essay Contest, challenging young people nationwide to study Minister Farrakhan’s address and examine its relevance today.

Sister Alaylah Rashad of Chicago earned first place and Brother Malik X of New Orleans received second place.

Under the theme “The Million Man March: More Than a Moment in History,” contestants explained the gathering’s historical significance, analyzed at least two quotations from Minister Farrakhan’s address, and demonstrated why his message remains important.

Participants submitted original, two-page essays without the assistance of artificial intelligence. Research materials included the original March footage, Minister Farrakhan’s speech transcript, and historical coverage published by The Final Call.

First-place winner Sister Alaylah distinguished herself through a thoughtful examination of atonement, personal responsibility, and unity.

One of the essay judges, Brother Sedrick Muhammad praised her essay for its organization, effective use of Minister Farrakhan’s words, and direct treatment of the contest’s central themes.

Sister Alaylah explained that she began her writing process by watching the recorded address and identifying what she believed were Minister Farrakhan’s principal messages.

“To me, the historical significance of the March was not just a gathering but a gateway to speak to the fathers, sons, and husbands of our community,” she said. “I wanted to clearly express that the goal was for us to work together and on ourselves to build a better nation.”

Reflecting on her first-place finish, Sister Alaylah expressed gratitude while emphasizing her desire for continued growth. “I want to stay humble about my win and use this achievement to encourage myself to improve my writing skills and further expand on my knowledge,” she said.

Second-place winner, Brother Malik, examined Minister Farrakhan’s call for accountability, emphasizing the responsibilities of both individuals and government. His essay explored the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing, making amends, and confronting injustices that continue to affect Black communities.

For Brother Malik, participating in the contest provided an opportunity to deepen his understanding of an event he had frequently heard discussed as a registered member of the Nation of Islam and a student in the ministry class.

“I had a lot of fun writing my essay!” he shared. “As a registered member of the Nation of Islam, who is also in the Student Ministry Class, I hear a lot of people teaching on the Million Man March during my course of study. However, this is the most in-depth I have been able to go in understanding just how monumental the Million Man March was and is.”

Brother Malik explained that he was introduced to the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad around the 30th Anniversary of the Million Man March in 2025.

“Revisiting this a year later with the mind of a Muslim has opened up new understandings for me on who it is I say I follow,” he said. He also credited the writing experience with helping him more closely examine the impact of Minister Farrakhan’s work on America.

For Student Minister Willie Muhammad, the contest represents an effort to ensure that the Million Man March is understood not simply as a remarkable gathering, but as a significant spiritual and historical event.

“The idea behind this essay contest is to help keep the legacy of the historic Million Man March alive and to make sure that future generations continue to learn about this historic gathering,” he said.

“The Million Man March was also a bearing of witness to the presence of Allah (God) and His Servants in our midst. We do not want our young people to simply know that a million Black men gathered in Washington, D.C. We want them to understand why they gathered, what Minister Farrakhan taught that day, and what responsibility is placed upon us today.”

Minister Farrakhan’s call for atonement, reconciliation, responsibility and self-improvement remains as relevant today as it was in 1995. Through the contest, organizers hope to encourage young people to study these principles and apply them in their lives and communities.

Participation increased in this year’s competition. In recognition of their efforts, contestants who did not place first or second were given appreciation gifts.

Muhammad Mosque No. 46 expressed gratitude to the donors who supported the competition and the six judges who volunteered their time: Sister Michelle Muhammad, Brother Sedrick Muhammad, Brother Gilbert Muhammad, Sister Nandi Muhammad, and Sister Phyllis X of New Orleans, and Sister Angela Muhammad of Jacksonville, Florida.

Above all, organizers thanked every young person who accepted the challenge to study the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s historic message.

—Submitted by Student Minister Willie Muhammad of Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans

The post Keeping the legacy alive: Muhammad Mosque No. 46 Million Man March Essay Contest winners appeared first on Final Call News.

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

The post Mosque No. 46 hosts Million Man March essay contest appeared first on Final Call News.