By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
Thirty years ago one of the largest assemblies of Black men ever recorded in the country came together in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 16.
Gathered on the National Mall, more than a million Black men urged Congress to address their needs and debunk long-held stereotypes about African-American men. The march was a call for Black men to bind together and petition the government to address unemployment, incarceration rates and other ills impacting their community.
The event, known as the Million Man March, was conceived by Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, and held in conjunction with the National African American Leadership Summit. The march was an outgrowth of the “Men Only” meetings held during Farrakhan’s national “Stop the Killing” tour in 1994, according to information found in the Final Call, the official newspaper of the Nation of Islam. Also included were leading civil rights organizations of the day and grassroots groups based in America, Africa and the Caribbean, all serving in essential roles.
America has undergone a paradigm shift since that October day, with a current administration bent on reversing many of the victories achieved during the Civil Rights Movement. The anniversary of the Million Man March comes at a time where national leaders are gaining ground in their efforts to return American society to the “good ole days” when White supremacy and Jim Crow served as the status quo.
Organizers for this year’s historic march have therefore chosen not to return to D.C., but instead to hold events in cities across the country which have significant Black populations.
Rev. Mark A. Thompson, a veteran political activist and civil rights organizer, will spearhead activities in New York City. He spoke with the AFRO ahead of the anniversary events.
“We have volunteers who are planning and leading events in cities that include Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Newark, Atlanta, Phoenix, Dothan , Richmond, Dallas, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Akron, Canton , Wichita, Chattanooga, Jackson, Detroit and Chicago,” said Thompson, who also serves the National Newspaper Publishers Association as global digital transformation director.
Thompson was present at the original march. He says the move to call Black men to show up to Million Man March anniversary events in their own areas was very strategic.
“All politics, all school boards, all election boards and all police departments are local. So, we’re following Malcolm X’s mantra–think globally and act locally,” Thompson told the AFRO. “The issues addressed and events that will take place will be germane to each locality, but will also include overarching issues impacting Black men throughout the country.”
Thompson said Black men will need to be resolute in their convictions and remember the pledge that they made 30 years ago.
This week, the AFRO commemorates the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Million Man March, the historic event orchestrated by the Minister Louis Farrakhan and a host of other community organizations focused on improving the plight of Black men and women. The AFRO was present three decades ago, with images coming from the late J.D. Howard, and will document anniversary events taking place this October. Credit: All AFRO Photos / J.D. Howard 
More than one million Black men converge on the National Mall for the Million Man March on Oct. 16. Credit: All AFRO Photos / J.D. Howard 
The Million Man March still today is a symbol of Black male unity. The event was an outgrowth of “Stop the Killing” tour of 1994, which featured “Men Only” meetings, according to the Final Call, the official newspaper of the Nation of Islam. Credit: All AFRO Photos / J.D. Howard 
Men from all walks of life take part in the 1995 Million Man March. Credit: All AFRO Photos / J.D. Howard 
Under the banner of “brotherhood,” Black men march on Oct. 16, 1995 in the Million Man March. Credit: All AFRO Photos / J.D. Howard 
From coast to coast, Black men march in the nation’s capital on Oct. 16, 1995. Credit: All AFRO Photos / J.D. Howard
“White men have set themselves up as victims and are recruiting Black men into today’s victimization culture,” he said. “But we are not victims. We weren’t 30 years ago, and we are not victims today. When we gathered in the millions in Washington, D.C., we stood up as men for atonement, reconciliation and to take responsibility as men. That was the spirit of the March and that’s what we must focus on once again.”
The esteemed scholar, professor of African studies, and the founder of Kwanzaa, Maulana Karenga, will serve as the convenor of activities in Los Angeles. Karenga, a key organizer of the 1995 Million Man March, helped to author the event’s mission statement and emphasized the need for Black men’s accountability and responsibility.
Remembering the first march
Though the march was for Black men, women played important roles in the event. Frances L. Murphy, II served as the treasurer.
Cora Masters Barry, former first lady of Washington, D.C., led voter registration efforts during the first march at the request of Farrakhan. She said it was a glorious day and hopes that those who participate in this year’s events will remember the history that was made then and what remains to be accomplished today.
“Our country has moved in such a way that we have little respect for marginalized communities, so the issues we face are broader than they were 30 years ago,” she said. “Yes, we need to recommit ourselves to the pledge, however, we also need to focus on protecting our rights and the freedoms we have been promised under the constitution.”
“It’s not just freedom for Black men and women, but freedom for all Americans,” she continue. “We’ve got to build coalitions and understand that it’s not just those of us with more melanin – in America, the community of humans is under attack.”
Events are planned across the U.S. to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Million Man March in October 2025. For more information on anniversary events, please visit millionmanmarch2025.com.
Million Man March 2025 Events
California
Los Angeles
Million Man March Reunion
Date: Oct. 16
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Kenneth Hahn Park
4100 S. La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90008
The Los Angeles Chapter of the Million Man March is holding its 30th-year reunion to reinforce the bond of family and community.
Maryland
Baltimore
Sunrise Prayer at Druid Hill Park
Date: Oct. 16
Time: 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
Location: Druid Hill Park
900 Druid Park Lake Dr
Baltimore, MD 21217
A sunrise meeting for prayer is set to bring together intention and focus for the days’ events which are sponsored by the Baltimore Local Organizing Committee.
30 Years Later – A Love Letter to the Million Man March
Date: Oct. 17
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Coppin State University James Weldon Johnson Auditorium
2500 West North Avenue #2500
Baltimore, MD 21216
Coppin State University will host “30 Years Later – A Love Letter to the Million Man March” at the James Weldon Johnson Auditorium. This live storytelling event, directed by Marc Laveau, will commemorate the 1995 Million Man March and explore its lasting spirit, with co-sponsorship from the university’s Social Work department and the Dorothy Height Center.
Prince George’s County
State of Black America: Where We Were, Where We Are, Where We Are Going
Date: Oct. 18
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Fairmont Heights High School Auditorium
6501 Columbia Park Road
Landover, MD 20785
A special forum, led by Prince George’s County Council Member At-Large Calvin Hawkins, and Prince George’s Planning Board Chairman Darryl Barnes will take place in Prince George’s County on Oct. 18. The event will include reflections on the original Million Man March and solutions-oriented conversations about the future of Black America.
Nevada
Las Vegas
The 1,000 Black Man March
Date: Oct. 11
Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Palacio Park
951 W Lake Mead Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89106
The event aims to unite Black men and boys for inspiration and positive community impact. A rally will follow from 1 – 5 p.m. at the MLK Statue in North Las Vegas.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Brotherly Action 5K Walk
Date: Oct. 26
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: LOVE Park
16th Street and JFK Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19102
The Brotherly Action 5K Walk, organized by the Philly Truce Foundation, includes a walk from North, South and West Philadelphia that converges at LOVE Park for the main rally. The tribute aims to carry the spirit of the original Million Man March forward and promote unity and community action.
The starting point for men coming from North Philly is Broad St. and Girard Ave. at 7:30 a.m.
The starting point for men coming from West Philly is 30th St. and Market St. The March will leave from that location at 7:30 a.m.
The meet time for the South Philly starting point, at Broad St. and Washington Ave., will also be 7:30 a.m.
The Million Man March 30th Anniversary Tribute Program will begin in Love Park at 10:30 a.m.
Washington D.C.
Lantern Peace Walk Across 11th Street
Date: Oct. 16
Time: 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: 1201 M. Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
The walk begins at 1201 M. Street SE and ends at Union Temple Baptist Church in historic Anacostia, commemorating the path once taken by historical figures and highlighting commitments to faith, unity, atonement and community.
Revive the Spirit of the Million Man March and Beloved Unifest
Date: Oct. 18
Time: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The event will take place at various community establishments in the Anacostia neighborhood including Union Temple Baptist Church and is a celebration of D.C. culture and community. It will feature food, music and speakers to honor the legacy and message of the original march, which emphasized unity, responsibility and atonement.
