USA : MILLION MAN MARCH TO CAPITOL HILL

(17 Oct 1995) English/Nat It was one of Washington's biggest political events, reminding many of Martin Luther King's historic civil rights march in 1963. For the estimated four-hundred thousand African-American men who attended the Million Man March, Monday's rally was a chance for atonement. They returned to their communities across the country with a pledge to become better husbands, fathers and friends. They were complete strangers only a day ago. African-American men from all over the United States. Now they have come together after one of the most historic marches in the history of Washington's National Mall. For these participants, the Million Man March was a powerful, yet sobering call to action. SOUNDBITE:"I think the message is to go back home to where we're from and try to go further and push the black cause and try to work amongst our people and by a better environment and create a better environment for our people." SUPER CAPTION:Brother Jerry, March Participant It was called a day of atonement. Atonement for many of the social ills that have plagued the African-American community. Some 400-thousand strong, the marchers leave pledging to become better role models for their families and communities. Million Man March organizer Louis Farrakhan exacted a promise from the crowd to advance and elevate the cause of the black man in America. SOUNDBITE: "I, say your name, 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. SUPER CAPTION: Louis Farrakhan, Nation of Islam leader. Emotions were high on this day. Many whites, and some blacks, condemn Farrakhan as a racist demagogue preaching a gospel of hate. But the marchers put their differences aside. Differences that have torn the black community with violence, crime, drugs and absentee fathers. SOUNDBITE:"A strong family builds a strong nation, that is the message I've got. And I'm taking it home to my friends and my family and I think it's going to make me a better man." SUPER CAPTION:Voxpop, March Participant SOUNDBITE:"As black people we're going to rise now and this is our time. And that's how I see it. This is the beginning of an era." SUPER CAPTION:Dorie Simmons, March Participant No-one knows if the pledges to atone and change will be honored or even remembered years from now. But on this day at least, African-American men marching let it be known that they are ready to stake a claim to their share of the American dream. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...