By Evan Dienstag

Louis Farrakhan Muhammad, Sr. (born Louis Eugene Wolcott; May 11, 1933) is the leader of the African-American religious movement, the Nation of Islam Farrakhan started rebuilding the NOI. In 1981 he revived the name Nation of Islam for his organization, previously known as Final Call, regaining many of the Nation of Islam's National properties. In October 1995, he organized and led the Million Man March in Washington, D.C., calling on black men to renew their commitments to their families and communities.

Black Men Standing Tall United

One of the purposes of the march was to raise the consciousness of black men. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were donated. This day produced a spirit of brotherhood, love, and unity like never before experienced among Black men in America There was neither one fight nor one arrest. Crowd size was between 1.5 and 2 million people. Mostly all males.

The march, Farrakhan says, will say to the world "the image you have of black men is not the image of who and what we really are."

Stevie Wonder led a chorus of African-American male voices, singing out for unity. "It's bigger than any one man, it's part of God's plan,“ Clarence Avant, Chairman of Motown Records. Maya Angelou "We have been a people in pain but we will rise,“

"God called us here to this place at this time for a very specific reason and now I want to say my brothers, this is a very pregnant moment, pregnant with the promise of tremendous change in our status in America and in the world," (Farrakhan) "It's important we have such a march to focus attention on the urban crisis and move from the negative urban policy of chasing welfare mothers, chastising their fathers and locking children up to some real commitment of reindustrialization of urban America." -- Jesse Jackson This group is not Farrakhan's group. This is a group of black men from around the country who are coming here for a day of atonement and to talk about how to take responsibility for their own lives." -- Harold Ickes

Farrakhan stated that some of the things he said may have led to the assassination of Malcolm X Anti-Semitic views. Claiming Jews were the devil and were taking over every industry. Was portrayed as a hero but also a villain in a sense.

Whites believed this was going to create a even more dividing line towards uniting races. Believed Farrakhan’s message was one of racism, hypocrisy, and separatism. Setting themselves apart. Farrakhan is creating a level of hate that nobody else is.

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.

“Million Man March” October 17, 1995, Charles Bierbauer. “Million Man March” October 20, Eric White. “Why March” December 14, Stephen Stamkos.