The 20th anniversary of the Million Man March is fast approaching. On October 10, the National Mall in Washington, D.C. will be covered with Black men who will come together to pledge to be the head of households for families all across America.
No better time than now, especially given the fact that we see brutality against men and even some women as well with the rate seemingly escalating. The time is right for this march.
The scripture that fits this upcoming event best is from Titus 1:5-9 which says: “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you – if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
Billed Millions for Justice the march welcomes all races, colors and creeds as well as sexual preferences.
“If the soul is left in darkness, sins will be committed,” chief organizer and Nation of Islam leader The Honorable Louis Farrakhan said in a statement, quoting poet Victor Hugo. “In gathering for justice, we gather to turn on the light,” said Farrakhan, who helped organize the first march.
The Rev. Jamal Bryant of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore will also serve as an organizer. Bryant delivered the eulogy at the funeral of Freddie Gray, a Black man who died in police custody in April, setting off protests in Baltimore and around the country.
“Twenty years ago, those who gathered did so for the dignity of our Black men,” read a joint statement issued by Bryant and fellow organizer Tamika Mallory, former executive director of the New York-based National Action Network. “Today, we see that the need for justice and equity is far-reaching and requires systematic and deliberate change for people of many backgrounds.”
It was my pleasure to work inside the U.S. Capitol Building for the first Million Man March 20 years ago, serving as coordinator for the green room which housed the speakers. With only a few days to go, several major special events coordinators were asked to help bring this all together. My role required that I run an intense operation and my team of volunteers did a fine job. It was a day we shall always remember.
It will truly be a great day in the neighborhood to see a million men converge onto the National Mall to pledge to live their lives as the men that families need, especially at this time in our country’s history. It is my hope that this will be a new beginning where men will pull up their pants and stand up tall and be proud of who they are and from whence they have come.
Struggle makes each of us stronger. So Black men, take care of your families. Scriptures lay that responsibility right at your feet. Own it. Cause your babies and young children to admire their daddy and to always be glad to see you walk through the door. Teach your daughters what respect looks like. Speak with your children in a loving and caring manner.
Finally, be willing to work two jobs if that’s what it takes; at least for a short while.
Lyndia Grant is an author, inspirational and motivational speaker, radio talk show host and columnist; visit her website at www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrant@gmail.com and call 202-558-2107. Tune in Fridays at 6 p.m., to the radio talk show, 1340 AM, WYCB, a Radio One station.
