Powell Declines To Join Men’s March

Retired Gen. Colin Powell, citing a scheduling conflict, turned down an invitation from Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan to participate in a black men’s march next week.

Powell, who is considering a presidential bid, will be in New York promoting his autobiography when the Million Man March occurs on Monday in Washington, said Powell spokeswoman Peggy Cifrino.

Farrakhan said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week With David Brinkley” that he was “expecting, hopefully, Colin Powell to join the march.”

The march is billed as an event to instill responsibility and unity in black men and increase their political power.