Capital March Unites Diverse Black Groups Planned March Gathers Steam Despite Controversial Leaders

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 director 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 healing 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 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 aid. But recently a wide array of black political and religious leaders have voiced support for the cause.

Big-name supporters include Jesse Jackson, Rosa Parks and Maya Angelou, who is writing a special poem.

The Congressional Black Caucus endorsed the march last week. Washington Mayor Marion Barry, who is black, is promoting the event. Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke, who is black, and Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell, who is Jewish, also have given their endorsements.

“People tend to come on board once there is clarity of purpose, once they see the broad cross section of constituencies,” Chavis said Monday.

And, he said, the march is drawing endorsements because the problems of black men are so pressing - gangs, crime, drug abuse, unemployment and families without fathers. “Our focus is the plight of the black man in America, but our concern is for the entire black community,” he said.

There seems to be enough support to generate a healthy showing. Chavis insists the 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 more than 200,000 people. The largest such event, according to 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.