We Owe Our Very Best

The Million-Man March was truly a historic and remarkable event. Those of us who were blessed and fortunate to be at the March will never forget what we saw, heard or experienced. Never! The March was not only a day for atonement, but it became, for many of us, a pilgrimage - a return to our sanity, decency and nobility.

The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was peaceful, and the brotherhood was powerful. Great-grandfather, grandfathers, fathers, uncles, cousins, sons, and grandsons of African ancestry affectionately affirmed one another's presence. We were, at least for that one day, our "brother's keepers." The spirit of " He ain't heavy, he's my brother permeated the air. The souls of Black men were on display. And behold, it was an extraordinarily peaceful demonstration-full of compassion, commitment and community.

The March marked the beginning of a movement, where men of African ancestry viewed themselves not as victims, but rather as problem solvers who must accept personal responsibility for their actions and destinies. Furthermore, each man in attendance pledged to honor, respect, and love Black women, Black children and one another.

They also pledged to return to their communities and join and/or support Black organizations, churches, newspapers and businesses. Consequently, those of us who attended the Marnow understand that we can never return to "business as usual." The stakes are too high and the task at hand is too great.

The Million-Man March reminded all of us in attendance that they must never forget from "whence they came." It reminded us that we must recapture, reclaim and reaffirm the high level of discipline, commitment, courage, sacrifice, and personal excellence that our ancestors displayed and practiced despite the odds. "Never give up," "Now is the time," "Believe in God," and "Up you mighty race" were some of the daily mantras that kept African Americans during the civil rights movement looking up and keeping their eyes on the prize.

And now as we move closer to another anniversary of the great Million Man March, it would be a tragedy if every man of voting age who attended the march had not registered vote; or joined an organization or church; or attended a PTA/PTO meeting; or reached out to another brother; or signed up as a mentor for a younger person; or committed at least 25 percent of his consumer dollars to Black-owned businesses; or subscribed to a Black magazine; or initiated a self, family, or community - uplift effort; or sought treatment/help for destructive additions of any kind. If we have yet to hug and spend a few more hours with our children, or to make our wives/mates feel special and loved, then we have failed to internalized the message or heed the warning from the March.

If we have done all of the above, great. If we have done one or two of the aforementioned, we should start feeling better about ourselves. However, if we as serious African American men have yet to bargain or act, then we have no right to enter the 21st century. Furthermore, I would like to encourage all the marchers to remain forever vigilant and do the following:

• Place God/Creator first in our lives
• Place a picture of the Million-Man March and pledge on a special wall in our homes and touch/read it every day.
• Pray.
• Prepare a daily self-improvement plan and stick to it.
• Practice saying these two words every day: "I can."
• Pray
• Promise to reach out to and encourage one other brother.
• Pledge to pursue personal excellence in everything we do.
• Provide sufficient time for family life.
• Pray.

The choice is ours and we owe our ancestors, our children, our women and God our very best.
Peace...'til victory is won.

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