The Nation of Islam’s
Millions More Movement took place Saturday (Oct. 15, attracting leaders from
Cornel West to Jim Jones.
Buses, trains, and car loads of people from across the country
descended on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 10-year
commemoration of The Million Man March.
Hundreds of vendors lined Constitution Avenue from the National
Monument to the U.S. Capitol Building where a multitude of black figures gave
their blessing to hundreds of thousands of people in attendance.
Speakers like Elijah Cummings, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson Sr.,
Kweisi Mfume and the Reverend Tony Lee, to name a few, gave words of empowerment
to the masses.
The event did not exclude the feminist movement, as Dr. Dorothy
Height of the National Council of Negro Women and Susan Taylor, editorial director
of Essence Magazine both graced the stage before the Minister Donna Farrakhan
Muhammed introduced her
father, who many in the crowd had waited to hear for almost 12 hours.
"This is more than a moment in time. If there is a million
or less or more, the meaning of this day will be determined by what we do tomorrow
to create a movement," Farrakhan said as one of his opening statements
to the crowd as he stood at the bottom of the stairs of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Deeply expressing gratitude for all in attendance and even acknowledging
the non-black population, he urged the crowd to take action against the government
for failure to adhere to promises made to the community that they have reneged
on.
"Look into a class action lawsuit against FEMA and National
Security on behalf of citizens of New Orleans and those who have suffered,"
Farrakhan urged.
Farrakhan also denounced the Bush Administration and called
for the government to respond to the needs of the poor.
He also urge the people to give back not just monetarily, but
to form ministries in every city and town, including a ministry of health and
human services, defense, art and culture, trade and commerce, justice, science
and technology and others.
In a special address to the Hip-hop community, he praised and
acknowledged the impact the culture has had on people of all ethnic backgrounds
around the world.
Farrakhan did add, "There’s a bigger purpose [in Hip-hop]
than popping our fingers and shaking our you-know-what," as he made a small
request for the community to be more productive through the art of Hip-hop culture.
Hip-hop also had an enormous presence this year as members of
Generation X showed up in large numbers.
Jim Jones of The Diplomats and Wyclef Jean both entertained
the audience with performances.
Jadakiss and Styles P also made their presence known as they
greeted the crowds and took pictures with fans.
Reverend Ben Chavis introduced "the godfather of Hip-Hop,"
Russell Simmons, who was accompanied by Doug E. Fresh.
Chuck D of Public Enemy and Jeff Johnson of BET’s The Cousin
Jeff Chronicles were also in attendance to take a stand with the movement.
Erykah Badu and
India.Arie also showed their appreciation for Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam’s
efforts with performances.
Other attendees included Bell Biv Devoe (BBD), Conrad Worwill, Dick Gregory, Dr. Ben Chavis, The New Black Panther Party, Minister Jamel Muhammed, Dorothy Height, Essence’s Susan Taylor, Ed Gordon, Tavis Smiley, Gil Noble, Tony Austin and others.