Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 26, 1995 TAG: 9509260069
SECTION: NATL/INTL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
The rousing vision of a million black men, heads held high, marching through the nation's capital has united diverse black groups despite misgivings about the two men who are leading the way.
The males-only march being organized by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and ousted NAACP chief Benjamin Chavis is on its way to becoming reality, in spirit even if not in numbers, on Oct. 16.
The popularity of the march's message has largely overshadowed concerns about its two founders.
Farrakhan, a firebrand often accused of anti-Semitism, has alienated many black leaders; Chavis was fired from the NAACP amid accusations that he had misappropriated funds to cover up a sexual harassment claim.
``We're not looking at personalities. We're looking at what the purpose is,'' said longtime activist C. Delores Tucker, who supports the march even though women aren't invited. ``It's a noble purpose.''
When Farrakhan and Chavis began promoting the Million Man March nine months ago, they had little mainstream backing. Recently, though, a wide array of black political and religious leaders have voiced support for the cause. Big-name backers include Jesse Jackson, Rosa Parks and Maya Angelou, who is writing a poem for the event.
The Congressional Black Caucus endorsed the march last week. Washington Mayor Marion Barry is promoting the event. Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke, who is black, and Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell, who is Jewish, also have endorsed it.
``People tend to come on board once there is clarity of purpose, once they see the broad cross section of constituencies,'' Chavis said.
There seems to be enough support to generate a healthy showing. Chavis insists his goal of a million marchers is within sight, but that would be an unprecedented turnout.
It's rare for Washington marches or rallies to draw as many as 200,000 people. The largest such event, according to the National Park Service, was a 1969 rally against the Vietnam War that drew an estimated 600,000 people.
Farrakhan, who dreamed up the march, describes it as a gathering of ``disciplined, sober, committed, dedicated black men,'' ready to take responsibility for their families and their communities. The theme is atonement, faith and renewal.
Black women, and men who can't come to Washington, are asked to stay home from work or school that Monday and observe it as a holy day. All blacks are urged to register to vote and become politically involved.
``This march has struck a very resonant chord within the African-American community as a whole,'' said Earl Shinhoster, acting executive director of the NAACP. ``There is a very strong feeling of crisis, that something must be done.''
The NAACP's executive committee, however, has decided not to endorse the march.
Although the civil rights group agrees with the march's goals, Shinhoster said, ``the board did have some concerns, philosophical and otherwise.''
The NAACP and Chavis continue feuding over money that the civil rights group says he owes it. The NAACP has long been wary of Farrakhan and his anti-Semitic remarks. And more than half of the NAACP's members are women.
Nevertheless, the National Council of Negro Women and the National Political Congress of Black Women are giving their support.
``We're not happy that we're not involved with it, but it's their purpose, and they called it, so we support it,'' said Tucker, chairwoman of the women's congress. ``We're happy to see men take the lead for a change.''
by CNB