Million Woman March
The Million Woman March was a significant event that took place in Philadelphia on October 25, 1997, aimed at addressing the specific issues faced by African American women. This historic gathering drew hundreds of thousands of participants, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy, as women marched with baby strollers, drums, and banners representing their diverse origins. Organized by activist Phile Chionesu, the march featured influential figures such as actors Blair Underwood, Margaret Avery, and Jada Pinkett, alongside Winnie Mandela, who highlighted the solidarity of African American women.
The march provided a platform for discussing critical issues often overlooked in mainstream women's discussions, such as human rights abuses, the establishment of independent African American schools, and calls for an investigation into alleged CIA activities related to drug trafficking in African American communities. Many participants left the event feeling empowered and motivated to initiate positive changes in their neighborhoods. Chionesu expressed the intent to hold a second Million Woman March, indicating the ongoing commitment to advocacy and community improvement among attendees.
Million Woman March
The Million Woman March took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 25, 1997, and provided African American women the opportunity to discuss some key racial issues. The streets were filled with women pushing baby strollers, beating drums, and walking with the determination to be counted among the several hundred thousand women who attended the historic gathering. Participants carried the red, black, and green flag of the national African American movement and banners that showed the many areas from which they had traveled. The event was organized by activist and bookstore owner Phile Chionesu and was attended by many African American celebrities, including actors Blair Underwood, Margaret Avery, and Jada Pinkett, as well as Winnie Mandela, former wife of South African president Nelson Mandela.
The women marched to draw strength from one another and to focus on their common problems. The event provided a forum to address many issues that are not typically dealt with by women’s groups. Some of the main issues discussed were human rights abuses against African Americans, the start of independent African American schools, and a demand for an investigation into allegations of Central Intelligence Agency involvement in selling crack cocaine in African American neighborhoods. Most of the women left inspired to make changes in their communities, and Chionesu planned to hold a second Million Woman March.
Bibliography
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Janofsky, Michael. "At Million Woman March, Focus Is on Family." New York Times. New York Times, 26 Oct. 1997. Web. 18 May 2015.
Smith, Jessie Carney, and Linda T. Wynn. Freedom Facts and Firsts: 400 Years of the African American Civil Rights Experience. Canton: Visible Ink P, 2009. 50–1. Print.
Spigel, Lynn, and Jan Olsson. "Successful Million Woman March Generates $21.7 Million." Television After TV: Essays on a Medium in Transition. Durham: Duke UP, 2004. Print.
Tornquist, Cynthia. "Million Woman March Fills Philadelphia Streets." CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, 25 Oct. 1997. Web. 18 May 2015.