October 16th was the anniversary of the Million Man March, which occurred in 1995 in Washington, D.C. This historical moment focused on Black men taking responsibility for strengthening their families, registering to vote, supporting Black-owned businesses, and rejecting violence and crime. It then inspired a surge in black men registering to vote; estimates indicate that 1.5 to 1.7 million black men registered to vote. The Million Man March inspired community initiatives and future marches such as the Million Woman March and the Million Family March.
It is a moment that has been captured in culture several ways. One being Spike Lee’s film Get on the Bus; another being Skyzoo’s song Ayinde at the march. Skyzoo’s song describes multiple emotions he felt leading up to and during the Million Man March. Specifically, Ayinde Jean-Baptiste’s speech, who at the time was 13 years old. Skyzoo discussed a feeling of inadequacy that he was not doing enough, a sense of inspiration from watching Ayinde, and a realization that they were working towards the same goals in different ways.
The Million Man March Anniversary allows for everyone, including the youth in DC, to take a moment to consider what responsibilities they are avoiding, what extra responsibilities they can take on, and what each of us owes to one another. It is a good opportunity to come together despite economic struggles, an ICE agency terrorizing our neighborhoods, the Iran war, and all the difficult moments going on now and in the recent past. October 16th should remind us here in Washington, D.C. to unite – to take responsibility for building a life, a community, and a society that we want to be a part of. To build together a path forward.
Featured image/photo by Yoke Mc / Joacim Osterstam – flickr.com.
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