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FROM: Gitta Sumner (sumnerg@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu)What's your reaction?I'll admit this before I say anything else: I don't know exactly what was said at the MMM and even though I think that the IDEA was good, as a Black African woman I was very disappointed. You don't seem to realise that many things that occur to Black people in America do affect the lives of Black people all over the world.
Yes, Black people in America have been and are still being treated disgustingly, but it didn't happen to the men only, this suppresive behaviour includes women and children in every aspect of life. What exactly is the point of excluding over half of the Black population to restart the process of overcoming oppression? At the end of the day, it simply looks as if you are exchanging one form of oppression for another. I refuse to put up with any kind of negative behaviour from any Black man because he has been subjected to racism because Black women, or any woman who is not white, have been subjected to double the trouble--racism and sexism from white people as well as non-white men.
Another thing I did not like about the MMM was the gentleman who headed it. I do not care what has happened in your life, you do not generalise the negative behaviour of a handful of people to include thousands of others. Any negative comments he said about Jewish people can be construed as prejudiced. I do not see every white person as a racist because I have come across Black people who would rather drag you down than let you succeed in life. People can be evil regardless of their skin colour. Rather than find someone to blame for your problems, why not come together with those willing to help and find solutions to those problems? Instead of giving up when something either goes wrong or seems to be too difficult to complete, take a step back and look for other solutions.
I have come to realise that oppression is not only black and white, but it also happens to come in shades of grey. While some of you try to teach your selves about self-respect, I'll be teaching any daughters or sons I might have that you treat other people the same way you would like to be treated, regardless of their sex or skin colour. I'll be telling them that you do not need to demean another human being to gain self-respect. Loving themselves and believing in themselves are qualities that every child needs to have instilled into them, so that no one can have the power to make them believe anything else.MICHAEL ROBINSON (michael3x@earthlink.net)
To put the MMM and the affect it had on me is hard to put into words. To see that many of my brothers (and some sisters too) was overwhelming. I wanted to laugh, cry and shout simultaneously because of the tremendous feeling of pride and love that permeated the atmosphere. October 16 1995 was truly a God inspired event. How else can you explain a gathering of 1.5 million people in one place and not a single arrest or disturbance? Washington D.C. gave away a lot of money on security that wasn't even needed. Minister Farrakhan and Rev. Ben Chavis are to Black leaders that are to be commended for having a vision and against all odds, bringing that vision to fruition. Also, the people behind the scenes are to be commended, for they put in alot of hard work and long hours to help the MMM take its place in history. But all Praise is due to Allah, for without Him nothing is possble. To my brothers and sisters who attended the March: Don't let the spirit die! Register to vote and get out and vote. There's POWER IN THE POLLS!
As-Salaam Alaikum
Michael 3XFROM: John Parham (VPTJBP@VPT.GWU.EDU)
As a participant, I was absolutely awestruck as I walked through the gathering of strong, positive African-American men. It was truly gratifying to watch the event unfold after so much negative publicity, in the days leading up to it. I live in D.C., and you should have seen the "majority" panic. It was really amusing. I don't know if anyone noticed, but March shut D.C. down for the day. Congress went out of session, many governments were working om skeleton staffs, most private industries as well. The city was deserted, except for the March. I loved it. Just the thought of 1 million strong brothas drove people insane. Let's do it again. We need more expressions of unity, love, and pride. I applaud all who supported the event.
FROM: Andrew J. Wenzel (awenzel@ultrix.ramapo.edu)
I am an 18 yr old white student at Ramapo College. I think that the Million Man March was not only beneficial to the black man and the black community, but to the entire country as a whole. Since the degradation of slavery, the black man has not been respected enough in this white majority ruled country. I believe that the March not only brought self-esteem but a sense of equalness among the American peoples. I hope that we just don't fall backwards, but keep moving forwards in this direction.
FROM: Juan O. Rivera (juanr@censoft.com)
It is inspiring to see that somebody (and it does not matter who came up with the idea) is working in creating a sense of community in the african-american community. It is critical for our success as people to create, preserve and mantain meaning through comunity. Eventhough this is of utter importance most of our leaders, thinkers and politicians have neglected this. They talk of, either "pumping money" or taking it all away. None of these angles will heal the wound. Do not get me wrong, without help most of us would not be able to attend school, or simply survive.
The issue of female abuse was addressed, the sense of community also, but what happened to the gay and lesbian issues? We need to recognize them as part of the community, and furthermore we need to humanize them. This people, part of our people, are being bashed and abused also.
We also missed part of our people . . . any person that is not white and is fighting white oppression! In white America whatever is not white, is black! It does not matter if you are Oriental, Polynesian or Hispanic, if you are not white, you are trying to clear the same hurdles.
The dream of one, is the dream of all . . . break the shackles.
We are moving in the right direction!!!!FROM: Steven F. Brueggeman
I find it disturbing so many people could find personal level satisfaction from the words (not actions) of arguably the most outspoken racial seperatist there is. Lets be honest. It wasn't a million man march, it was a million black man march. All other ethnicities and genders were excluded. Seems to me DR. M.L. King spoke of inclusion and equality, not exclusion and preference. Few would argue that discrimination doesn't exist. It does. I am discriminated every time I go to a store because I'm not allowed to park in the handicapped zones. Is this equality or preference? The neccessity of this example can be argued but on what level does it become absurd? I believe the same can be said about affirmitive action. This is preference. Is it needed because racial minorities are handicapped? I don't think they are. Are the odds against them? Is it a white mans world? I don't think so. Imagine if there were a second million man march where the only participants allowed were white men. It would be percieved as a klan rally, reguardless of the stated objectives from the organizers. I fear that we are becomming a nation of groups that are united by such things as race and gender. A house divided cannot stand and peoples willingness to bond by such criteria is pitiful.
FROM: Terrence Harris
I am a Social Studies Teacher 7th & 8th grades @ the A.B.G.Schultz Hempstead Middle School who together with several other teachers made the journey to the Million Man March; we all found it to be truly inspiring experience. Upon return home we subsequently established a Junior Man March inclusive of all cultural, religious, and ethnic groups to protest the level of violence in young peoples' lives today. As young brother Alleynde spoke I agreed that we must rise to the challenge to make this a better world. I am planning several activities for my classes using the Internet for learning activity during February-Black History Month. I am interested in any ideas!
FROM: MR NICHOLAS T DE ASIO (JZCK38A@prodigy.com)
Your coverage of the MMM was lacking something. Hmmmn let me think If I can help you to figure out what was Missing ........ NOW I KNOW WHAT IT WAS>>>>> You neglected to capture a Picture of The Black Gay and Lesbian contingent that went to the march to shoe that we too are part of the heritage of Black America. And Part of it's future. How could you neglect to capture us or even mention our presences there ? The National media Knew we where there, we handed out Press Kits and were on Narional Television. But, I guess that even among our own Brothers and sisters we are treated like the unwanted step child, We are treated as the one's who don't belong and who don't have a voice in America. Even among our peers we were not important enough for you to acknowledge that we where there lending our voices and our support. And yet Still We Rise !!!
FROM: Daverama@pond.com
Subject: Farrakhan's Speech at MMM
What's my reaction? When I read the minister's speech, I was speechless. Here a a few quotes from the minister's own mouth: FARRAKHAN: There, in the middle of this mall is the Washington Monument, 555 feet high. But if we put a one in front of that 555 feet, we get 1555, the year that our first fathers landed on the shores of Jamestown, Virginia as slaves. In the background is the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorial, each one of these monuments is 19 feet high. Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president. Thomas Jefferson, the third president, and 16 and three make 19 again. What is so deep about this number 19? Why are we standing on the Capitol steps today? That number 19 -- when you have a nine you have a womb that is pregnant. And when you have a one standing by the nine, it means that there's something secret that has to be unfolded. Don't believe that he said this? Then fire up your browser and check out the entire speech at http://www-cgi.cnn.com/US/9510/megamarch/10-16/transcript/index.htmlFROM: TypanInc@aol.com
The idea of atonement was not that of Minister Louis Farikhan but that of Rev. James L. Bevel. In an interview with Dr. Chavis and Rev. Bevel, Dr. Chavis acknowledges,"Yes Rev. Bevel was the one that really recommended the idea of the national day of atonement. Rev. Bevel was one of the assistants to Dr. M L King, he was there the day King was Killed. He was involved in the MMM right from the start as early as April of 1994. Rev. Bevel will be speaking February 21, 1996 at the Priory Restuarant, 233 West Market St. Newark, NJ for more information contact Howard Scott, chairman, American Business Coalition (201) 621-9000 e-mail Typaninc.@aol.com.
FROM: N6BPA@aol.com
I am an african American freelance writer/poet! How wonderful it is for me to be able to access an african american newspaper from Baltimore, Maryland. I have a poem that I composed that I would like to have published in every African American Newspaper across this country to "uplift" the Million Man March. I feel in too few words "It's About Time!" The march should not focus on the person who spearhead it Minister Farrakahn but the idea of unification between african american men no matter what religion. Our men have sat back for too long and watched us raise families, get educations and forge ahead They need to be seen and heard in non violent manner and let the world know there is more to our men than drugs, and gang drive bys! I live in San Diego and if you didn't know where we are here, you wouldn't ! We are outnumbered here and it is quite obvious. Sincerely, Mrs. Lovel G. Waiters
FROM: MKuntz@aol.com
My name is Batya Goldman, I edit U-Direct Magazine in Chicago. I've been watching this unravel and I'm all for it. If Yassar Arafat and Israel can shake hands and prepare for unity in the middle east, I say so can Farrakhan and the US Jewish community. Someone's got to be first on each side to pass the olive branch. I support my friend and someday famous photographer who is out there marching and taking pictures for a newspaper we do together. One love, one world, Batya Goldman, Publisher Mary Kuntz Press Founder, Underground Press Conference
FROM: ZmanNYC@aol.com
Nothing positive can EVER come out of the MMM. You CANNOT separate the message from the messenger, because in this case, the messenger's belief system is predicated on the NOI tenet that white people were "created" in an African lab by the evil scientist "Yacub" some 6000 years ago!?!. This is sheer lunacy... But anyway, according to NOI doctrine, the whites were called "devils" because they were evil. And they were shackled and forcibly removed from their homeland and banished to what became Europe! Now, if they truly believe this, then THE BLACK MAN WAS THE VERY FIRST ENSLAVER!!! Think of it! We, white people, were "created", found to be evil, and were ENSLAVED BY THE BLACK MAN!!! So, by his own account of history, the black man admits to teaching the white man the meaning of cruelty, inhumanity, and ultimately enslavement. What the black man didn't expect was for his "creation" to excell to the extent that we, as white people, have. These are just some of the reasons the MMM was completely misguided and fruitless...
FROM: a018874th@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fil.us
I'am a 27 year old black male who grew up always looking for some type of direction. I never had an answer given to me to as to what i should do or what I should not do. Of course I got the usally advice grow go to college get an education to get a good job, well that is what I set my goals to making it that way, But the MMM gave me The answer that I beleive that i should of had from a child. Grow Up and take your place in this world to make it a better world for everyone in it, and that should be the thing I strive for everyday of my life. I have taken on the motto that if what I am doing is not for the uplift of my race it is something that is tearing down my race. I believe I was living in a fairy tale because after the march I read all the negative press Frakkan (hopes that right) was getting, I knew the powers to be would try to denounce him, but when I started hearing black people denounce him I got very confused, I knew the sytem keeps us from uniting but no one in there right mind could say that farakkan is mad for are race becuse no one could have pulled off what he did no one because god had to do it, and if every would only see that god was in the mist of us talking through his messenger you just took a blessing and trough it out the windows becuse of your hate for the messenger thanks for the chance to write, sorry for the errors...
From: Annalee Elman
To TahoeLake@aol.com: You are naive if you believe that the struggle is over. It is not over so long as the jails and prisons are filled disproportionately with black men. It is not over so long as a black male cannot enter a supermarket without being followed through the store. It is not over so long as homicide is the leading cause of death among young black men. It is not over It is not over so long as black women are employed over black men!!! TahoeLake @aol.com wants to be liked by blacks -- but what is he doing to make life in America as equitable and SAFE for blacks as for whites???
And to Don from UC Davis, who wrote: "I believe white people are scared,and should be, because we (black folk) are awakening!" This isn't about scaring the white man. It takes two to play "master/slave", now that slavery is no longer the "law of the land". This is about black men and women taking back their lives, their families, their neighborhoods, their responsibilities. It's about black and white wtanding side by side to build a better, more equitable America. It's about insisting on rights, about persisting until equity is achieved. To get there, blacks must first learn to rely on themselves and their internal strengths. there is no room nor time for perpetuating racist myths-- on either side of the question. There is too much work to be done to waste time pointing fingers...or "scaring whitey"!FROM: Richard Bray (rb327989@oak.cats.ohiou.edu)
My name is Richard Bray, Graduate Student, Ohio Universitiy Although I was unable to attend the MMM what a great site it was to see many of my peers were able to attend. From this march we have started a Brothers on the M.I.C - Men Involved in Change. this is a chance for black men in higher education to meet, discuss, and communicate and to alleviate barriers among one another, to reach out to our various communities etc. The MMM has had a profound affect on myself and others to recommit ourselves to the upliftment of our community and our "united voice" In addition I doing research on other programs that may have started across the country and/or men and programs that have rededicated themselves to the goals of the MMM. Any information would be of great assistance. Richard Bray
rb327989@oak.cats.ohiou.edu
204 Baker Center
Athens, Ohio 45701FROM: James K. Stoehr (jks@nauticom.net)
The MMM was nothing short of discrimination. How can any intelligent human being argue this fact, when no whites were allowed? Certainly there are whites, like myself, who believe in equal rights for all? The whole "get-even"attitude has to stop. Yesterdays injustices were just plain wrong. Equality is not obtained by turning the tables.
It is my opinion, that blacks are being led to violence by these leaders, instead of understanding, and learning that knowledge is power, not destruction, and power marches.TuxedoPark@aol.com
What a complete waste of time!
mechani1@ix.netcom.com (Me )
Somebody needs to asassinate Louis Farrakan.
BClarke852@aol.com
I am a young black man who attends Michigan State University. I was not able to attend the March for no other reason than lack of bad planning. To this day I am still angry at my self for not be able to attend one of the greatest moments in not just Black American History but American History period! I kept my television on stations that broadcasted the March in order to participate the best way I could. While watching the March, occasionally I would turn the channel to see the reaction of the politcal forumns and news reporters. I was furious at the way so many these groups downplayed and criticized the March. I know it was expected, but nevertheless I got angrier and angrier as flipped from one station to the other. It made me want to be at the March even more. The funny thing is that some of these same groups who criticized the March turned around and praised what was done when they realized they had failed to down play it. Even though I couldn't be present at the March I am still proud of what was accomplished and I am glad that Black men have shown to the world that we can come together as brothers, fathers and resonsible men (not that we haven't proven this before tima and again)and not just drug dealers, womanizers and men who leave their children. So many t.v. talk shows having dishonorable and cheating Black men as their topics and authors who write books where it is hard to find any positive Black male characters(I won't name anyone btu all you have to do is think of "breathing")that it is good to finally show that we are so much more. Peace.
Michael Wotorson(Finxman@aol.com)
I was involved in the planning of the march for about five months prior to its execution. I served as Program Committe chairman for the Washington, DC LOC. As a young black man, this was familiar but rare opportunity to be close to other black men of all ages, to learn and to teach. Whenever I stepped into the headquarters for an LOC meeting I felt SAFE. This I believe is true power. You see once a person feels safe to explore his/her inner thoughts and aspirations fully and to have them validated, he/she grows tremendously. This is why on the day of March as Rev. Stallings prayed all I could do was weep. I wept both out of sadness and out of joy. I was sad because such a gathering for us is so long overdue. I was overjoyed because I think we all caught a glimpse of that proud race of kings and queens. The best moment for me during the March was when I returned home and my wife said to me that she was proud of me. Brothers, sister, and all who read this, that validation by my wife addresses I think what we all want. We want to be acknowledged as thoughtful human beings. We want to be respected and admired. We also want to give these things to others. The March offered us all a moment to do just that and to reflect critically on our past and future. I truly feel sorry for those who labored to come up with reasons not to support the March for they are on the wrong side of history. One day they will regret their decision. Peace to all freedom loving peoples.
FROM: Robert H. McIver
I believe that the Million Man March was the greatest and single most important event produced by African-Americans in American history.
FROM: Beegeelvr@aol.comI thought it was very racist and the traffic in downtown D.C. must have been murder.
FROM: Samaria CooperGranted it is now 12/26/95, well after the MMM, however this was the first time I recieved the chance to watch the MMM from beginning to end. I was not invited, for I was not a black male. I initial opinion of teh march was that Farrakahn was probably not the best person to be leading this event. Because of this I listned to the Newspapers and media and had a negative "feeling" towards this event. As the event became closer I I opinion had changed to "The Message" could prevail even though it was lead by Rev. Louis Farrakahn. My opinion was reinforced to by CNN and other news braodcasts only showing bits and pieces of the speeches. The speeches, taken out of context, made the Rev. seem like a racist.
I have no idea what the Rev. views on caucasions is, however I do know this, after listnening to his extremely clever and informative speech, the speech he gave on that day was truly uplifting, to the point, informative and by all means NOT racist. For any person to argue other wise, simply watch the entire event from start to finish.
Incedently, there is no way there were only 400,000 men there, there had to of been darn neer 1,000,000 men there to be that full. Thank YOU and god bless every one whom attended in person or in mind.Sincerely, smeegan@bitstream.net
FROM: Tomzwillys@aol.comHello
I am white and I have problems like everyone else, but I hope that someday for all races life will be equal and we will be one nation under God indivisible with liberity and justice for all.
FROM: Richard BrayMy name is Richard Bray, Graduate Student, Ohio Universitiy
Although I was unable to attend the MMM what a great site it was to see many of my peers were able to attend. From this march we have started a Brothers on the M.I.C - Men Involved in Change. this is a chance for black men in higher education to meet, discuss, and communicate and to alleviate barriers among one another, to reach out to our various communities etc. The MMM has had a profound affect on myself and others to recommit ourselves to the upliftment of our community and our "united voice"
In addition I doing research on other programs that may have started across the country and/or men and programs that have rededicated themselves to the goals of the MMM. Any information would be of great assistance.
Richard Bray
rb327989@oak.cats.ohiou.edu
204 Baker Center
Athens, Ohio 45701
From: arawl@oeonline.com (Archie Rawlings)A phenomenal exercise by African American MEN that is still reverberating throughout our community. Hardly a Sunday pass without our pastor making reference to this monumental event.
Where our church mentoring program had all but ceased functioning, the MMM has caused men to rededicated themselves to the goal of helping our youth.
I am very encouraged and hope that the flame of this new torch is not allowed to be extinguished.
From: Annalee Elman
Organization: Total Entertainment Network
Subject: Million Man MarchTo TahoeLake@aol.com: You are naive if you believe that the struggle is over. It is not over so long as the jails and prisons are filled disproportionately with black men. It is not over so long as a black male cannot enter a supermarket without being followed through the store. It is not over so long as homicide is the leading cause of death among young black men. It is not over It is not over so long as black women are employed over black men!!! TahoeLake @aol.com wants to be liked by blacks -- but what is he doing to make life in America as equitable and SAFE for blacks as for whites???
And to Don from UC Davis, who wrote:
I believe white people are scared,and should be, because we (black folk) are awakening!
You miss the point, friend. This isn't about scaring the white man. It takes two to play "master/slave", now that slavery is no longer the "law of the land". This is about black men and women taking back their lives, their families, their neighborhoods, their responsibilities. It's about black and white wtanding side by side to build a better, more equitable America. It's about insisting on rights, about persisting until equity is achieved. To get there, blacks must first learn to rely on themselves and their internal strengths. there is no room nor time for perpetuating racist myths-- on either side of the question. There is too much work to be done to waste time pointing fingers...or "scaring whitey"!
From: a018874th@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fil.us
Subject: reaction to MMM I'am a 27 year old black male who grew up always looking for some type of direction. I never had an answer given to me to as to what i should do or what I should not do. Of course I got the usally advice grow go to college get an education to get a good job, well that is what I set my goals to making it that way,But the MMM gave me The answer that I beleive that i should of had from a child. Grow Up and take your place in this world to make it a better world for everyone in it, and that should be the thing I strive for everyday of my life.
I have taken on the motto that if what I am doing is not for the uplift of my race it is something that is tearing down my race. I believe I was living in a fairy tale because after the march I read all the negative press Frakkan (hopes that right) was getting, I knew the powers to be would try to denounce him, but when I started hearing black people denounce him I got very confused, I knew the sytem keeps us from uniting but no one in there right mind could say that farakkan is mad for are race becuse no one could have pulled off what he did no one because god had to do it, and if every would only see that god was in the mist of us talking through his messenger you just took a blessing and trough it out the windows becuse of your hate for the messenger thanks for the chance to write, sorry for the errors...
From: Christopher Givans
Subject: Million man marchIt is late in the night in Kingston. I have been playing on the internet and attempting to do some school work (University of the West Indies). I have just come across an entry for the million man march and I have to respond.
I am considered in Jamaica to be a middle class citizen of brown complexion (shade of colour means everything here) and as a result more sympathetic to the upper classes than the lower. In many respects I suppose it was(is) true. I think of myself as responsible and a moral citizen in my own way. As a result the thought of a march designed to instill in a segment of the population a sense of responsibility seemed ludicrous. After all as men we must bear our responsibility and blah, blah,blah. How wrong could I have been. How disrespectful to the suffering of people could I be. I did not grow up in an environment where as a matter of course anybody who looked like me was bad, and everybody white was good. Where mental slavery still exists and is exercised. The character Bigger Thomas in Richard Wright's "Native Son", was an eye-opener for me.I guess the environment makes a lot of difference.
I now believe that there is need for a leader in the African-American community. Black men have to have a sense of pride and a desire for accomplishment. If not for themselves, then for their seed (the future). My some must have the advantages that I was unable to have. He must have the opportunities that I did not have and he must give to the community some of what he has gotten.
Chris
From: ZmanNYC@aol.com
Subject: MMM
Nothing positive can EVER come out of the MMM. You CANNOT separate the message from the messenger, because in this case, the messenger's belief system is predicated on the NOI tenet that white people were "created" in an African lab by the evil scientist "Yacub" some 6000 years ago!?!. This is sheer lunacy... But anyway, according to NOI doctrine, the whites were called "devils" because they were evil. And they were shackled and forcibly removed from their homeland and banished to what became Europe! Now, if they truly believe this, then THE BLACK MAN WAS THE VERY FIRST ENSLAVER!!! Think of it! We, white people, were "created", found to be evil, and were ENSLAVED BY THE BLACK MAN!!!So, by his own account of history, the black man admits to teaching the white man the meaning of cruelty, inhumanity, and ultimately enslavement. What the black man didn't expect was for his "creation" to excell to the extent that we, as white people, have.
These are just some of the reasons the MMM was completely misguided and fruitless...
Subject: Million Man March Reaction
Attending the Million Man March was one of the best experiences that I've ever had! It gave me a real sense of pride, and it revitalized my hopes for the black man in America.Before the march I really didn't know what to expect. I was aware of the march for about one year and didn't hear very many negative things about it, but a couple of weeks before the march I began to hear alot of negative opinions coming from blacks and whites. This disturbed me greatly because I strongly believe in the mission statement of the march.
I was really surprised at some members of the black community and the black church stating that they would not be in attendance because of the involvement of the Nation of Islam. The day before the march and at the march itself Joseph Lowery made a statement that I totally agree with. In essesnce he said, 'The house is on fire and my kids are in the house. I don't care who is carrying the water, somebody has got to put the fire out!'.
It makes me wonder what is on the minds of some of these so called community and church leaders. They sit on the fence and throw stones without an agenda of there own to solve any of the problems in the black community. Why aren't they doing anything? Who's got a hand around their throats or who is signing their pay checks?
I can only hope that I will live to feel the brotherhood that I felt at the march again! As I was leaving the event I had tears in my eyes. It was a very great and moving experience. I will continue to keep the spirit of the Million Man March alive! Thank God for the march and the messenger of the march.
Sincerely,
David M. Counts
From: MKuntz@aol.com Subject: Million Man March, from Jewish Female Hello, My name is Batya Goldman, I edit U-Direct Magazine in Chicago. I've been watching this unravel and I'm all for it. If Yassar Arafat and Israel can shake hands and prepare for unity in the middle east, I say so can Farrakhan and the US Jewish community. Someone's got to be first on each side to pass the olive branch. I support my friend and someday famous photographer who is out there marching and taking pictures for a newspaper we do together. One love, one world, Batya Goldman, Publisher
Mary Kuntz Press
Founder, Underground Press Conference
From: TahoeLake@aol.com Subject: Million Man I am a White young man who grown up in high school with Black & White racial fights every year that I was involved in. We were just kids trying to live out older brothers fights and keep our streignth. Shortly after growing up I learn to live with my Black rivals and they and I became good friends. I lived, celabrated, morned, & and worked with my Black Buddies. They became the same as me as I enjoyed the Music that we listen to. I look at a Black man just as another guy in this world trying to get a chance at the better things in life. I look back and can't see just what the fighting was regarding, It was just a sense of power over one another. Today I feel and see the hate in alot of Black people against any white man just because he is white. This hate is just foolish. The Black man has been through alot in life I agree, but thats over, The white people of today don't grow up being taught to disrespect the Black community, But the Black man is still blaming the white people for their problems, and teaching this to each other all over the country. Leave the past in the past and learn to grow with each other to help one another. I feel that the Black man should do just the opposite of what they do and say against the White Community. The Black man should stand along side the White man and offer its freindship and show that the bad days are over, Tell the White people that the War is Over and what has happened has happened in the past and is not forgotten or forgiven but it is just over and that Life will go on and we as the Black people in this country need to grow with the white man, working with the White man just as one . I belive that this will show the streighth and pride of the Black man to say, We've set those bad thoughts aside from our memories and will not live with the pain anymore. The White man in todays community is Not responsible for the things that happened in the past. This is what will Make the Black Community reunite with the White Community and Once the White man has lost it's fear that the Black man is against him, but instead has dicided to share and help its fellow White man, The White man has no alternative but to include and equally share with the Black man. I dont know the feelings of Farrakhan, but it dosent look or sound like he is doing the march for the right reasons. I do support the bringing of the Black Men together to give them the support and give them the encouragement to go on, and stop feeling like the world has not given them a fair chance, Becuase life is to short and everone must be strong in these times and most of all help one another in each others Community. I do support the Black Community very much, but feel like any efforts that I might give to help the Black Community isn't noticed. I would love to see the White Community go to the projects and low income Black Communities to give help, such as Clothes, Books, Food, and all other things that will help the Black man in his time of need and to show him that the White Community does care and will support him in his time of need. / The March should be to bring the Black men together to show Peace with all races and that the Black Man has no time for Wars, it must help its own race and is asking for support to help its own race. The Black is only feared because of it's own reactions to its unfairness that he feels by other races and by the threats that he brings to the White Community. The Black man has been living in this country for a long time now and should be considered an American, nothing else. The Hispanic Community has brought themselves over the border by their own free will. I dont belive that they should be given the Equal opportunities as the Black man. The Mexicans have their own Country right next door. they are the ones who are taking away funds that should be for the American People. I hope this letter dose not offend any Black People, but may show a different look at things from a concerned White man. Thank you, Brad Johnson From: LinCook@aol.com Subject: Million Man March The Afro Web page is nice. I'm writing about the March. If every man at the march contributes one dollar --we'd have one million dollars to contribute to one or more Black needy causes--like saving the Howard Inn or contributing to scholarships at Black colleges. In this way, the March would be most meaningful--instead of just listening to speeches! I read somewhere that there is a home page for the Nation of Islam. Do you know the e-mail address? If you do, please send it to me. From: N6BPA@aol.com Subject: MILLION MAN MARCH Hi, I am an african American freelance writer/poet! How wonderful it is for me to be able to access an african american newspaper from Baltimore, Maryland. I have a poem that I composed that I would like to have published in every African American Newspaper across this country to "uplift" the Million Man March. I feel in too few words "It's About Time!" The march should not focus on the person who spearhead it Minister Farrakahn but the idea of unification between african american men no matter what religion. Our men have sat back for too long and watched us raise families, get educations and forge ahead They need to be seen and heard in non violent manner and let the world know there is more to our men than drugs, and gang drive bys! I live in San Diego and if you didn't know where we are here, you wouldn't ! We are outnumbered here and it is quite obvious. To tell you a little about me, I am published in Today's Black Woman (June Issue), and the Maryland Review Magazine (story and two poems) I also write for my pastor for the Voice and Viewpoint newspaper, San Diego's only black newspaper. I look forward to hearing from you, and hopefully your reply will be YES! Sincerely, Mrs. Lovel G. Waiters From: MJWILHITE@aol.com Subject: Million Man March I am opposed to Monday's Million Man March. What purpose, other than increasing the awareness of unequal opportunity for non-blacks, can be served by the march. From: JOSPROBE@aol.com Subject: Million Man March All Sisters and Brothers should be proud and happy that many thousands of Brothers were not deceived by the smoke-screen of the white press, and traveled to D.C. There is no division in the black community over Minister Farrakhan. This was just another trick to try and discourge the event. From: AUNTDO@aol.com Subject: million man march I say right on to the MEN who took time out of their busy schedules to go and show unity to all the world. It is time for each AFRO-American to stand tall and stand together for equality. To let the world know that 'we are here to stay' and we will have "ours" now! It's time out for selfishness and every man for himself. If your brother and sister has not nine times out of ten some of them will come and take yours. It's time to share the load and share the dream. Too many have fought , died and gone to jail for the few rights that we are trying to hold on to. I am praying for every AFRO-American male we went and especially for those who saw no reason to go. RIGHT ON, BROTHERS! You are all that and then some. From: GILW2757@aol.com Subject: MILLION MAN MARCH I really injoyed my self with my friends, yesterday in Washington D.C. I had family from Ohio, and friends of other states. I am happy for Us, the black men and familys of America, I hope, we can contuinue to strive in this fellowship for all our living days here. Please send me information about your new paper, I am a software developer, and We have products that we may be able to avertise. Thanks, to all the Brothers... Gil Wall Captial VIP Protection and PROTEC, LTD GILW2757@aol.com or CAPVIP@aol.com From: "Charles W. Robinson III" Subject: MMM Count I am using every electronic forum I can to say that the National Park Service's low count of the Million Man March crowd (400,000) may be due to the fact that they used pictures which were taken late in the day, after many men had left. I was there all day, and I noticed that around 3 pm, men started leaving, saying they had to get to their buses. I left at 3:45 pm, and got to my home in Southern Maryland at about 4:25 pm. When I looked at the television, the Mall was a lot emptier of men than it had been when I was there. On the news, everytime the Park Service showed a picture, there was a time of day imprinted in the lower right hand corner. All of the ones I saw had times of 3:22 pm or 4:22 pm or some such, when many men had already left. Why won't the Park Service count from pictures it took at 10:00 am., or at 12:30 pm., if it indeed took such pictures? I am writing to everyone I know to get someone in authority to please ask the Park Service to use pictures from earlier in the day! At 10:00, Rev. Ben Chavis said that there were 1,000,000 of us at the march, and around 12:30, that we were some 1,500,000 strong! Would the Afro-American Newspaper please investigate this story? Charles Robinson From: SEMSTRESS@aol.com Subject: million man march Greetings from an African-American woman dentists in Northern California. I am not a Farrakhan follower , but a Christian married to a physician muslim and Farrakhan follower. I must say as I watched Farrakhan and the others speak I was ahh inspired. Today I made my husband register to vote, and told two black friends to vote. Tomorrow I will call my local NAACP to join them. I will also seek out a Black women's group to join, one with positive goals for improving the Black community. My challege to you is to start a forum on how to disable those who are bringing guns and drugs to our communities. We can not began to see light at the end of the tunnel until we can figure out a way to stop this intentional genocide. Sincerly, Dr. Lois
FROM: SSG KELVIN R. STOVALL SUBJECT: REACTION TO THE MARCH FIRST AND FOREMOST I WOULD LIKE TO PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY IN THE WONDERFUL NAME OF JESUS FOR BEING WITH US ON MONDAY. NEXT I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE HONOR WHERE HONOR IS DUE. MINISTER LOUIS FARRAKHAN, REV BEN CHAVIS, AND THE OTHER 1 MILLION PLUS MEN OF AFRICAN DESCENT THAT MADE THE MARCH A SMASHING SUCCESS STORY. I WILL FOREVER HOLD THE PRINCIPLES THAT WERE REAFFIRMED IN MY HEART TO PASS UNTO MY FUTURE OFFSPRINGS. I RECEIVED NOTHING BUT THE VIBES OF LOVE AND FAMILYCOMING TOGETHER TO HAVE A GROUP HUG. PERFECT THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WHO MUST KEEP THE SHIELD UP. THE SHIELDS CAME DOWN ON MONDAY AND LOVE WAS ABLE TO FLOW FROM BREAST TO BREAST AND HEART TO HEART. I AM STILL DRINKING AND FEASTING ON THE ENERGY THAT WAS GENERATED AT THE MMM. I WEAR MY SOUVENIR BUTTONS PROUDLY. I PLEAD WITH MY BRETHREN NOT TO GET INTO WHAT I SEE AS MEANINGLESS DEBATES ABOUT HOW MANY OF US WERE THERE. WE KNOW THE TRUTH AND THAT IS WHY WE ARE FREE! KEEPUP THE GOOD WORK AT AFRO-AMERICAN AND I WILL CONTINUE TO BROWSE THE NET. I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE A GOPHER SITE, IF SO WOULD YOU PLEASE PROVIDE THE ADDRESS.
Subject: My response Hello, I watched the complete broadcasting of the Million Man March on C-Span. I was particularly impressed with what Allendye Baptist, Maya Angelou, and Min. Louis Farrakhan had to say. I wholeheartedly believe the march was the first step in changing not only what Caucasians think of us, but also in uniting our African-American males. I hope there is a continued success of this mission. We cannot afford to back down now. I only wish I could have been there. One Nation, One Love, Together, Forever
Veleda Briggs
Student, University of Notre Dame
Subject: Letter from 1 in a million Greetings,
The Million Man March was more than an event. It was a gathering of men who were hungry for spiritual and emotional nourishment. It was clearly apparent that most of those gathered had repeatedly experienced in their lifetimes plates filled with lies and deceit which left these men hungry for real and long lasting sustenance. But this day, the appetizers served by the likes of Betty Shabazz, Jessie Jackson, Maya Angelou, Kwiesi Mfume, Dick Gregory, Stevie Wonder, Dorothy Height, Al Sharpton, Alim Muhammad, Rosa Parks, Joseph Lowery, Marion Barry, Willie Wilson, Ben Chavis and other significant speakers, beautifully whetted the appetites of those assembled for the main course. As Louis Farrakhan walked to the microphone there was a respectful frenzy of excitement. This was followed by a hush of more than a million of my brothers all facing east toward the Capitol. They were totally focused on the voice of the Minister and the word of God.Minister Farrakhan served up a main course that was precisely what the masses had longed for. Nothing more, nothing less. There was no doubt that divine intervention was taking place during what seemed to be a brief moment of catering. The reactions from the grounds swung from amuse to amazement. This fact was especially true when he broke down "atonement" to the bone. "Mmm, mmm, mmm," was heard time and time again. The Minister challenged the white community to wake up to their own ills as we would atone for ours. Farrakhan ended his feast with specific directions for what each black man should do with themselves and in their own communities to help us save this great nation. He instructed us to join a church, a synagogue, mosque, or temple. He also told us to join any organization that was dedicated to uplifting our people. He received overwhelming positive response when he asked how many of the assembled would adopt one of twenty-five thousand orphaned black children. He asked that we get more involved with our incarcerated brothers. He also instructed a million men to take some pledges to be the best that we could all individually be for ourselves, our families, and our communities. There were no fireworks, no marching brass bands, and there was no fanfare. There was only truth. That's all I needed. That's all I received. I was set to take action and so were all those around me.
After the final prayer, there were waves of hugs which broke out in small patches and subsequently engulfed the whole monument grounds. Strangers were telling one another that they loved them and to have a very safe trip back home. Grown men were crying deep tears of joy. Smiles were as wide as mouths could handle and I, like most of my brothers, was in an emotional trance of true peace. This had to be the mountaintop I heard about.
My only regret is that more of my brothers could not be there to experience the mutual admiration, love, and respect for each other that was displayed by a million African American men. I have noticed words are not adequate enough when any of us feebly attempt to describe what kept us all on a natural high that day. I have shut out the disappointing negativism that I now read and hear concerning various aspects of the march. I feel far above the negative rhetoric. You had to be there in the middle of this gathering to REALLY understand. Now, I'm going to go do what I have to go do! What about you? Thanks for the ear.
Respectfully,
1 in a million
Subject: Reaction to the Million Man March
I just got back from Baltimore today, but I must say that the Million Man March on Monday was a great event. I walked from RFK stadium where I parked my car. My thirteen block march with all my brothers was one of the greatest feelings I ever felt, but when I turned from East Capitol Street and entered the park, I was pleasently shocked. I have never seen that many black folk before in my life. I walked amongst them, I talked with them, and I felt safe amongst them. My brothers and sisters were great. Yes there were sisters there, but the sisters I felt the most kinship with were those who waved and shouted praises to us during the 13 block march to the mall. I praise the brothers and all the sisters who participated. It was a great day. God must have been pleased. -- Gary L. Davis + Help me, Lord, to live my life DownEast Technical Service + Free from selfishness and strife Greenville, NC 27834 + So that others clearly see gdavis@coastalnet.com + Changes You have made in me.