The Holy Day of Atonement, Reconciliation and Responsibility; Anniversary of The Million Man March was delcared a Holiday for Black Folks on Monday, October 16, 1995, by The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. More than two million men gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC heeding the call of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Every man attending and observing was asked to make the following pledge:

The Million Man March Pledge

I PLEDGE that from this day forward I will strive to love my brother as I love myself. I, from this day forward, will strive to improve myself spiritually, morally, mentally, socially, politically and economically for the benefit of myself, my family and my people.

I PLEDGE that I will strive to build businesses, build houses, build hospitals, build factories and enter into international trade for the good of myself, my family and my people.

I PLEDGE that from this day forward I will never raise my hand with a knife or a gun to beat, cut, or shoot any member of my family or any human being except in self-defense.

I PLEDGE from this day forward I will never abuse my wife by striking her, disrespecting her, for she is the mother of my children and the producer of my future.

I PLEDGE that from this day forward I will never engage in the abuse of children, little boys or little girls for sexual gratification. For I will let them grow in peace to be strong men and women for the future of our people.

I WILL NEVER again use the ‘B word’ to describe any female. But particularly my own Black sister.

I PLEDGE from this day forward that I will not poison my body with drugs or that which is destructive to my health and my well-being.

I PLEDGE from this day forward I will support Black newspapers, Black radio, Black television. I will support Black artists who clean up their acts to show respect for themselves and respect for their people and respect for the ears of the human family.

The Million Man March is the first and largest of its kind and is considered a miracle performed by Allah (God). The march was a peaceful and powerful demonstration of unity among Black men in America that permeated throughout the entire country. Data statistics mark October 16, 1995, as one of the most peaceful days in the history of America. There were no arrests, no violence, no disturbances reported during the event. Participants fasted, prayed, and listened to speeches from leaders like Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Jesse Jackson, and Martin Luther King III. The National Mall was left spotless after the event ended, and the day was described by many people as “a glimpse of heaven”.

Millions more participated remotely through a “Day of Absence,” staying home from work and school to reflect. Over 1.7 million Black men registered to vote in the months following the march—a powerful civic outcome. The event challenged negative stereotypes and offered a transformative moment of dignity and solidarity.

October 16, 1995, is widely remembered as a historic day of peace, unity, and purpose—especially within the Black community and among civil rights advocates.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan guides us all to celebrate the Anniversary of The Million Man March as a Holy Day of Atonement Reconciliation and Responsibility. We are all guided to resolve our differences and make amends for harm done to one another by following eight steps of atonement. These steps were designed to promote healing, accountability, and reconciliation within individuals and communities:

The Eight Steps of Atonement

1. Someone must point out the wrong
   • Recognition begins with someone identifying the harm or injustice.
2. Acknowledgement of wrong
   • The offender must accept that the wrong occurred and take responsibility.
3. Confess the fault
   • First to Allah (God), then to those who were harmed.
4. Repentance
   • A sincere feeling of remorse, shame, or contrition for the wrongdoing.
5. Atonement
   • Making amends and reparations for the harm caused.
6. Forgiveness by the offended party
   • The injured party chooses to release resentment and cease to feel offense.
7. Reconciliation and restoration
   • Rebuilding trust and becoming friendly and peaceable again.
8. Perfect union with Allah (God) and with each other

• Achieving spiritual and communal harmony through the process.

These steps are not just spiritual—they are meant to be practical tools for healing families, communities, and the nation. They remain a cornerstone of the Holy Day of Atonement, observed annually by many inspired by the Million Man March.

Holidays For Black Folks was happy to join Reverend Dr. Willie F. Wilson, Pastor Emeritus of Union Temple Baptist Church in Washington, DC and local organizers from the DMV to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of The Million Man March & 43rd UniFest Celebration! We will revive the spirit of the Million Man March and Celebrate the return of UniFest! There were weekly prayer calls on Mondays leading up to the event and a torch run to kick off the festivities. Black families gathered to honor the women who contributed to this historical event where nearly two million Black Men gathered and made a pledge and commitment to self-improvement, community development, family and a promise to respect and honor Black Women. This year we made a commitment to “Two Legacies. One Purpose. Faith, Hope, Love, Atonement, Unity & Community.” Long live the spirit of the Million Man March and UniFest!

HERE’S A RECAP GALLERY OF THE 2025 CELEBRATION OF THE

3OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILLION MAN MARCH AND THE RETURN OF ANACOSTIA’S BELOVED UNIFEST!