
DATE: Wednesday, October 15, 1997           TAG: 9710150501

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH                        LENGTH:   92 lines

MEN OF THE MILLION MAN MARCH TO RALLY IN HAMPTON ROADS, GROUPS WILL RENEW THAT DAY'S MESSAGE AND TAKE STOCK.

Two years ago, thousands of men made the trek from Hampton Roads and across the country to Washington for the Million Man March.

They returned renewed. They returned with a sense of purpose.

They became more active with their communities, churches and families. They prayed. For many, it reinforced values they had already held.

Now organizers of the Million Man March are trying to keep the message alive.

On Thursday at 11 a.m., in celebration of the second anniversary of the historic march, a program titled ``Young, Gifted and Atoned'' will be held at Willett Hall in Portsmouth. The city, co-sponsoring the event, waived fees for using the hall, said Vice Mayor Johnny M. Clemons, who will be a speaker.

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan will deliver a speech via satellite to the audience.

Thursday's commemoration is part of a larger plan, say local representatives of the Nation of Islam.

The first march, two years ago, symbolized a need felt by the participants for black men to own up to their responsibilities and atone for past misdeeds.

Thursday, the emphasis will be on helping youth.

And in 2000, a march for both men and women will be held in Washington, said minister Shelton Muhammad, a local Nation of Islam leader.

``We were broken up in slavery,'' explained Muhammad. ``So this is to bring us together through a healing and cleansing process. . . . We're restoring the family.''

The atonement process is to help make amends for some wrong or injustice done to oneself or another. Organizers suggest that families begin to fast at sunset Wednesday and continue through Thursday morning.

Thursday's program will emphasize the need to help youth. A similar rally will be held that day in Norfolk's Lafayette Park from noon to 5 p.m., said Rafiq Zaidi, a local organizer.

Zaidi said that, with welfare reform under way, it's a critical time to reach out to youngsters.

``The young people are more inclined to be dependent,'' Zaidi said, ``and they're looking for guidance. They need strong leadership.''

A host of speakers, including Clemons; Reba Harrington, who is organizing local efforts for the Million Woman March; members of the NAACP; and members of the Concerned Citizens for Virginia Prison Practices will speak during the Willett Hall event.

Farrakhan asked that all people of color stay home from their jobs, schools and businesses Thursday to meditate and pray with their families.

Farrakhan said that by staying home, they could make employers and society aware of the contributions African Americans make.

Two weekends ago, thousands of men went to Washington for the Promise Keepers rally. The multi-racial group of men vow to uphold seven promises intended to strengthen the family and uphold Christian doctrine.

Muhammad said it isn't an accident that the Promise Keepers and Million Man March commemorative events are occurring around the same time. He said it speaks to society's need to return to a grounding in spirituality.

``People are searching for God,'' said Muhammad. ``People are dissatisfied and looking for leadership, new leadership that's God-centered.''

Both the Million Man March and the Promise Keepers, however, have been criticized.

Farrakhan has drawn fire for negative comments regarding Jews. Women's groups attacked the Promise Keepers rally for banning women.

Anthony D. Armistead, 40, a Norfolk resident who went to the Million Man March, said people need to focus on the message, not the messenger.

``I think both events were about getting ourselves spiritually grounded,'' Armistead said. ``Everything is not political.''

Armistead, a training specialist for Portsmouth's Community Services Board and an active member of his Norfolk Baptist church and community, said men should focus on doing the work that follows up on messages delivered at the rallies.

Vincent D. Carpenter, 33, of Chesapeake was inspired by the Million Man March. He formed a food service and beverage distribution company with six other men who had gone to the march. The company is called Universal Seven-LLC.

Carpenter said he thinks the reason there is still enthusiasm for the message of the Million Man March is because of what happened there.

Carpenter recalled an experience he had during the march: ``For once, I thought I was in heaven, because everywhere I looked, everyone looked like me. There was an angelic sense of love and brotherhood. . . . It just made me feel good to be a black man in Washington, D.C., that day.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

DETAILS

What: Second anniversary of the Million Man March, ``Young,

Gifted and Atoned'' program.

Where: Willett Hall, 3701 Willett Drive.

Time: Doors open at 11 a.m. Nation of Islam leader Louis

Farrakhan will speak via satellite at about 6 p.m.

Cost: $10 adults; $5 for kids 16 and under.

Also: A rally commemorating the March and for youth will be held

from noon to 5 p.m. at Lafayette Park in Norfolk. Admission is free.