African-American men from across the country gathered on Washington's National Mall October 16, for a massive Million Man March advocating "unity, atonement and brotherhood".

In one of the largest marches ever seen on the Mall, participants were asked to pledge to "clean up their lives and rebuild their neighborhoods".

Organized by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, the march also drew participants from other churches, as well as many schools and social organizations. Many of the participants said they were optimistic that the peaceful day of praying, singing and speechmaking would lead to more understanding between the races. "I hope it acts as a catalyst for better relationships with everybody," one marcher said.

Farrakhan led the huge crowd in pledges to "take responsibility for their lives and families, and commit to stopping the scourges of drugs, violence and unemployment".

Some marchers stood silently and others raised clenched fists when they were told to, "bring the spirit of God back into your lives".

They were also called on to, "build your own communities, avoid drugs and violence, register to vote, build black political power, and invest in black businesses".

The rally was one of largest demonstrations in Washington history, surpassing the 250,000 who gathered in 1963 for Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic "I Have a Dream" speech.

Joining Farrakhan on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, civil rights veterans Benjamin Chavis, Jesse Jackson, Rosa Parks, and Dick Gregory were among those who addressed the marchers. Stevie Wonder sang briefly and, with poetry, Maya Angelou urged the crowd to do right by itself and "save your race."

• (Top of Page) - The Million Man March on the Mall, looking towards the U.S. Capitol as seen from the top of the Smithsonian Castle Building's Clock Tower. (95-6672/11)
  Photo by Jim Wallace
• (Top of Story) - March participant wearing Million Man March shirt gives the victory sign. (95-6658/21A)
  Photo by Hugh Talman
• (Center, left) - View of the Million Man March from the Mall looking towards the Smithsonian Castle. (95-6688/12)
  Photo by Jeff Tinsley.
• (Center, right) - A father and son react to the speaker at the Million Man March. (95-6665/7A)
  Photo by Rick Vargas
• (Bottom) - A participant at the Million Man March listens to the program being presented from the steps of the Capitol. (95-6669/30)
  Photo by Jim Wallace