National News
On 20th Anniversary of Million Man March In D.C. Thousands Assemble For ‘Justice or Else’ Rally
Varner said that 20 years ago, while the women were more in a supportive role, “this time they were standing and listening next to the men.”
Varner, during the discussion with others who traveled with him, noted the MMM 20 years ago addressed issues inside the Black community. This time, he and others believe, the issues of police violence, and the disparities in the criminal justice system which impact Blacks from outside their communities, were prominent.
“Many people were confused about the ‘Justice or Else’ theme the organizers developed,” said Varner. “What it means is that once we demand that we receive justice and protection from the attacks and disparities and there is no positive response from the government … we must respond ourselves to deal with them. We demand justice from our government or else we will acquire it ourselves.”
More Women In Attendance This Year
Kim Wimbish, of KMK Productions, partnered with three other cultural organizations to sponsor three busloads of adults and youth to the event.
Like Varner, Wimbish tasked the youth who traveled with her to record their memories about the October 10 event, by writing a 400-word essay of their impressions.
“I told them, this is a historic … once in a lifetime event and they should understand what was happening,” said Wimbish.
She said that 20 years ago, she did not attend the MMM. This time, she said that although it was the “Million Man March,” women were heavily represented numerically.
She said she was disappointed in the low amount of coverage and support from the establishment media of the event, stating that it would have been heightened if violence had broken out.
“It was a phenomenal event. And although I do not support all of what Minister Farrakhan has to say … he is not a liar,” said Wimbish. “I was really touched about what he said about women. He said we should dress and conduct ourselves to be leaders of our communities.”
Minister Louis Farrakhan’s Speech
At 2 p.m. Minister Farrakhan took over the podium and commanded it for more than two hours.
Farrakhan, who is 82 and who has headed the NOI since 1977, advised against abortion and arrogance.
He praised the Black Lives Matter movement. He lambasted socially acceptable forms of bribery, along with child abuse, the corrosive nature of colonialism, corruption, and edits made to Jefferson’s initial draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Farrakhan decried foul language, human trafficking and squandering one’s inborn gifts.
Farrakhan attested to the damage caused by Native-American mascots, mass incarceration and materialism. He talked about natural disasters and the natural rights of man.
There was mention of the wealthy puppets and puppeteers at the center of the 2016 presidential election.
Farrakhan lectured about the responsibilities of parents, police and other leaders.
His speech also included some passing references to dietary guidelines, gender roles, groups with permanent residence on the nation’s do-not-trust list, as well as the numerology and creation myths.
