On This Day in History

Marking 30 Years Since the Million Man March

Clay Cane
October 16, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes

(AURN News) — Thirty years ago today, on Oct. 16, 1995, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., became the site of one of the most powerful displays of Black unity in American history.

Nation of Islam security guards flank the stage as their leader Louis Farrakhan speaks behind a bullet-proof glass during the Million Man March, Monday Oct. 16, 1995 on Capitol Hill. Farrakhan called together the black men for a day of praying, singing and reveling in racial unity. Farrakhan’s son Mustafa is to Farrakhan’s left. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

Led by Minister Louis Farrakhan, the Million Man March brought hundreds of thousands of Black men to the nation’s capital to demand justice, accountability, and healing. Estimates ranged from 400,000 to more than one million attendees, making it one of the largest demonstrations the country has ever seen.

With the Washington Monument in the background, participants in the Million Man March gather on the Mall in Washington Monday Oct. 16, 1995. Tens of thousands of black men from across America gathered at the base of the Capitol in a rally of unity, self-affirmation and protest. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

The march took place during a time marked by mass incarceration, police brutality, and negative media portrayals of Black men. Participants gathered at the U.S. Capitol in prayer, speeches, music, and reflection. Farrakhan led a pledge urging Black men to be responsible fathers, husbands, leaders, and citizens—honoring ancestors who suffered and sacrificed.

This view from the Washington Monument toward the Capitol shows the participants in the Million Man March in Washington Monday afternoon Oct. 16, 1995. Tens of thousands of black men from across America gathered at the base of the Capitol, and the Mall, in a rally of unity, self-affirmation and protest. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

“We are standing on the blood of our ancestors,” Farrakhan declared, recognizing those who had endured slavery, lynching, and systemic oppression.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, standing behind a bullet-proof glass, gestures while addressing the Million Man March, Monday Oct. 16, 1995 on Capitol Hill. Jackson spoke to the predominantly black male crowd which the U.S. Park Service estimated at 400,000. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

The event drew influential voices including Rosa Parks, Jesse Jackson, Cornel West, and Dr. Maya Angelou. The Million Man March remains a defining moment of unity and self-determination in Black American history.

Poet Maya Angelou addresses the Million Man March, Monday Oct. 16, 1995 on Capitol Hill. Washington Mayor Marion Barry is at left. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)

Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Clay Cane. Follow @claycane & @aurnonline for more.

Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane