Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Leader, Nation of Islam
Approximately three weeks ago, after great anticipation from many and some apprehension from others, the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March was held in Washington, D.C., on October 10, 2015. This event, ominously coined the “Justice or Else Rally“, centered around seeking justice for the many underprivileged, oppressed and disenfranchised ethnic groups across the United States.
In the months preceding the rally, the world waited as individuals planned their travels, then made their journeys arriving in Washington, D.C. to be a part of the largest gathering, for a cause of this magnitude, since its predecessor twenty years ago.
Crowds in attendance and those virtually, listened vehemently to the words of every speaker awaiting the big reveal of the looming question: “What is the or else?”. Many were convinced that the answers provided and the guidance received would inevitably put to rest and diminish the feelings of helplessness that previously occupied the hearts and resonated in the recesses of many minds for the past two years as a slow annihilation of individuals of the black and brown communities ensued. Many hoped the rally would evoke a unity among these neglected groups across the United States, a unity that was currently absent.
Yet others awaited the detailed plans to an organized threat, “or else”, that in their eyes could be the only plausable direction in the light of recent events. Sure there’ve been riots, protests and marches as a display of outrage, sadness, frustration and even contempt for the way men and women of color have been systematically degraded, abused and murdered [in some cases by those that are in the position to protect them]. Many have stood by and watched a society condemn violence projected “by” one group in response to violence inflicted “on” them, yet condone that same violence as a means of control against them. However, one’s guilt in regards to this double standard does not directly dictate the direction of the other’s actions.
Though a gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March,the expectation for this rally was different. A stronger sense of unity, organization and intellectually geared planning was anticipated as the dark nations were summoned to take a stand and begin to make changes within their communities. An expectation for unification as one family, with a common goal in this struggle and a common fight against injustice. Louis Farrakhan spoke eloquently and the call was made for ten thousand soldiers to individually make a commitment and collectively begin to make changes in the education of their people, to gain knowledge of one’s history and to understand and strategically act on their control of the economic status in this country.
Louis Farrahkan provided truth to all that listened. He sought out those who were ready, motivated and committed to bettering the lives of their people and possessed a willingness to put in the hard work to obtain justice. The feeling of self respect, importance of education and criticality of prioritizing one’s goals rang like a thousand pound cast iron bell across the crowd. The call for “soldiers” in this war against inhumanity provided hope to individuals who, intrinsically, made a commitment to participate and vowed to initiate setting up plans to better themselves, their communities and to spread the word.
As the countdown to Black Friday and the Holiday shopping season officially gets underway, Louis Farrakhan has alluded to the fact that it’s important to focus on what it will take to shake up the country and force the issues that need resolution. With a projected trillion dollar buying power capacity for 2015, collectively a leverage of power can be accomplished and the goals to adversely affect the economic structure of this country by severing participation during this potential million dollar holiday season is attainable. The controlled buying power can be used as a first step in demanding justice, equality and regaining dignity and respect for black and brown people in this country. You can be a viable part of accomplishing that goal.
To get more information and become a part of the solution visit:
Website: Justice Or Else | Twitter: @justiceorelse
Black Awareness Forum 