“Return to the Fundamentals: The Spirit of the Million Man March Lives On”

Million Man March

A Call to Reflection and Renewal

As we approach the anniversary of the Million Man March, we are reminded of the divine moment in history when Black men from every corner of America answered the call to stand together in unity, accountability, and love.

I remember back in 1995, when the promotion began—posters, radio, and word of mouth—all echoing the same message: “A million Black men are coming together in Washington, D.C.” As a young man at that time, I had never seen my father, my uncle, and so many elders so excited, so committed to a cause that felt undeniably God-sent.

The March took place on a Monday, a day many said would make it impossible to succeed. But when God gives an assignment, no man can stop it. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, guided by divine instruction, called millions of Black men to unite in peace and purpose—and they came.

If you were blessed to witness that day, you saw something sacred: brothers from every walk of life, embracing one another in love, discipline, and brotherhood. It was a sight of beauty and power that defied every negative stereotype. Even Black-owned businesses sold out of everything they had that weekend—proof of our economic strength when we circulate our dollars among ourselves.

And for those who falsely believe the money was mishandled, let it be known that the Nation of Islam conducted a full audit of every dollar, dime, nickel, and penny. The real enemy has always feared our unity, so they plant seeds of doubt. But we know the truth: the March was not just an event—it was a movement of spiritual and social transformation.

The True Mission

The mission was never just about gathering—it was about going back home and rebuilding the community. It was about becoming better fathers, better husbands, better brothers, and better men. It was about building businesses, respecting our women, raising our children with discipline and love, and restoring the cornerstone of every strong community—the family.

White supremacy did not like that message because it showed Black dignity, love, and responsibility. Yet, that message still resonates today. It calls us to reapply those principles, to stand firm in self-improvement and collective upliftment.

If you wish to relive that historic moment, you can still watch the original Million Man March at NOI.org. For those of us who were there, it’s our responsibility to teach the next generation about its meaning and mission.

The Battle for Our Future

After the March, many brothers returned home and fulfilled their pledge—mentoring youth, starting businesses, and organizing in their communities. But with every revolution comes resistance. The forces that profit from our disunity replaced our progress with destructive music, drugs, and confusion.

Now, even our truth is policed under the guise of “community standards.” But remember, our ancestors didn’t have social media—yet they built movements that shook the world. We can still meet in our mosques, temples, churches, libraries, and living rooms to strategize and build. We have more resources today than ever before.

All we need is the spirit and discipline that guided us in 1995.

Let us use this anniversary as a reminder to return to the fundamentals—to strengthen our families, empower our youth, and make our communities a decent place to live.

THE MILLION MAN MARCH PLEDGE

“I PLEDGE that from this day forward I will strive to love my brother as I love myself. I, from this day forward, will strive to improve myself spiritually, morally, mentally, socially, politically, and economically for the benefit of myself, my family, and my people. I pledge that I will strive to build business, build houses, build hospitals, build factories, and enter into international trade for the good of myself, my family, and my people. I pledge that from this day forward I will never raise my hand with a knife or a gun to beat, cut, or shoot any member of my family or any human being except in self-defense. I pledge from this day forward I will never abuse my wife by striking her, disrespecting her, for she is the mother of my children and the producer of my future. I pledge that from this day forward I will never engage in the abuse of children, little boys or little girls for sexual gratification. For I will let them grow in peace to be strong men and women for the future of our people. I will never again use the “B word” to describe any female. But particularly my own Black sister. I pledge from this day forward that I will not poison my body with drugs or that which is destructive to my health and my well-being. I pledge from this day forward I will support Black newspapers, Black radio, Black television. I will support Black artists who clean up their acts to show respect for themselves and respect for their people and respect for the ears of the human family. I will do all of this, so help me God.”

This anniversary is not just about remembering a day—it’s about reviving a movement. The Million Man March was a spiritual awakening that proved when Black men stand united under God, there is no obstacle too great.

Let’s recommit ourselves to the pledge, to one another, and to the mission that began in 1995—to rebuild, restore, and reclaim our destiny.

— Brother LeVon X Community Reporting